Immigration Courts Waiting Times 2023-01-10
2023-01-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about delays in the immigration system, impacting case processing and accommodation of asylum seekers.
What discussions has he had with Cabinet colleagues on reducing waiting times for immigration cases? He is concerned that long wait times are exacerbating issues such as the use of hotels for temporary accommodation.
We are committed to ensuring faster throughput in immigration and asylum tribunals to support the Government's priority to combat dangerous small boats crossing the channel.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans or commitments to reduce waiting times were not provided, only a general commitment to faster processing.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
The question stems from concerns about temporary accommodation centres for asylum seekers, particularly in the MP's constituency, and the need to expedite case processing.
Does my right hon. Friend agree that speeding up the processing of immigration cases and swift removal of failed claimants is crucial to ending the use of hotels as accommodation centres? She highlights her local context where hotel usage is a significant issue.
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. That is part of the solution, and I am working closely with the Home Secretary on that. Our aim, working together, is to eliminate the backlog of people who claimed asylum before June 2022 by the end of this year. We will support the Home Office in delivering that so that we can end the use of hotels by 2024. Part of that is about the throughput, so we are doubling the number of decision makers in tribunals from 1,270 to 2,500.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the increase in illegal small boat crossings and the financial burden on local communities. He seeks clarity on government plans to address this issue.
Further investment in immigration processes is welcome, but the number of people entering illegally by small boats has increased significantly last year. It's unsafe for genuine asylum seekers, unfair to those who entered legally, and unacceptable for UK taxpayers. As a priority for 2025, will my right hon. Friend outline practical steps being considered, including by the Justice Department, to ensure we have the most effective border in the world?
My hon. Friend is absolutely right. He will have heard what the Prime Minister said about the five pledges, one of which is to end the small boats coming across illegally. I mentioned what we are doing with the Home Office to get the backlog down in the immigration tribunal. My hon. Friend will know about the Nationality and Borders Act 2022, and the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister have also talked about further measures being brought forward shortly.
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Assessment & feedback
While mentioning existing acts and pledges, specific new steps or timeline for effective border control were not provided.
Response accuracy