Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Asylum System: Reform

Monday 8 February 2021 · 6 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Legislation to reform the asylum system will be introduced in the near future.
  • The system is currently facing delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, with additional resources allocated to improve decision-making processes.
  • Napier barracks are intended for temporary use during pandemic pressures and not for long-term accommodation.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Damian Collins Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The asylum system is in need of fundamental reform, as highlighted by issues such as the misuse of safe countries and delays in processing applications.

Question

What steps her Department is taking to reform the asylum system. Too many people come into the UK having first passed through a safe country without claiming asylum there. The system needs protection for those genuinely needing it while preventing abuse.

Answer from Chris Philp

Legislation to reform the asylum system will be introduced in the near future. The government is committed to protecting those genuinely in need while preventing abuse. The current system allows individuals from safe countries to bypass local asylum claims, which needs rectification through legislative changes.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific timeline and legislation details not provided

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Q2 Mark Logan
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Consitutents have faced long delays in asylum application processing, with some waiting over a year. This affects individuals' access to benefits and support.

Question

My constituents are vocal about the prolonged delay in their applications, often for months on end. For example, Shahid has been waiting 16 months while caring for his disabled wife without carer's allowance. Similarly, Aswad's application is now 13 months overdue despite an initial promise of six months. Will the Minister meet me to discuss this issue?

Answer from Chris Philp

Willing to meet with the hon. Friend to discuss specific cases. The system is currently facing delays due to coronavirus, but additional decision makers are being hired and £20 million has been allocated for IT improvements and system transformation next year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment to resolving individual cases was made

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Q3 Damian Collins Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Napier barracks is a temporary facility for asylum seekers but there are concerns about its suitability for prolonged periods. Post-COVID reforms aim to prevent the need for such facilities.

Question

Can my hon. Friend confirm that Napier barracks in Folkestone is only a temporary facility and unsuitable for prolonged use? Will we avoid using similar facilities with future, faster processing systems?

Answer from Chris Philp

Napier barracks were set up to manage pandemic pressures but are not intended for long-term use. They provide safe, clean accommodation with health provisions onsite. We maintain a dialogue with local authorities to ensure effective management.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No commitment was made regarding the avoidance of Napier-like facilities in future

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Q4 Stuart McDonald SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The repurposing of barracks for asylum seekers has been criticized as a disaster. An impact assessment suggested that decent support could undermine public confidence.

Question

The repurposing of disused Army barracks to house asylum seekers is proving a disaster and a disgrace. The leaked impact assessment suggests justifying this policy by undermining public confidence in proper support for asylum seekers. Will the Home Office apologise and close these barracks urgently?

Answer from Chris Philp

No apology is due as the accommodation was used by armed services previously. We spend nearly £1 billion a year on asylum seekers, more than any other country in Europe or worldwide.

Not addressed: Did not address the request for an apology or urgent closure

How: Changing Subject

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Q5 Stuart McDonald SNP
Immigration Veterans
Context

Former military officials and medical organizations have criticized the use of barracks, deeming it inappropriate. They argue that this undermines public confidence in supporting asylum seekers.

Question

The policy is undermining UK's reputation as welcoming. People criticizing such policies are insulting our armed forces, while the Home Office uses them for cover. Lieutenant Colonel Mercer and medical organizations have criticized these practices. Will the Minister listen to them and close the barracks?

Answer from Chris Philp

Closing would be easier if more councils accepted dispersed accommodation, but we have accommodated 48,000 to 61,000 people during the pandemic with a thoughtful approach. We stand by this and value for money is crucial.

Not addressed: Did not address listening to military and medical critics or closing barracks

How: Changing Subject

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Q6 Holly Lynch Lab
Asylum & Refugees
Context

The use of Napier barracks has been criticized for moral and public health reasons. The number of people contracting coronavirus there is unknown but suggests a massive outbreak occurred.

Question

The equality impact assessment confirms the policy choice is political. Despite refusing to confirm numbers, an outbreak took place. Does the Minister agree that this use has been both morally wrong and a public health disaster?

Answer from Chris Philp

We do not agree, as Public Health England was consulted throughout. The use is appropriate and suitable, with value for money being a key factor. Hotels are more expensive than barracks accommodation.

Not addressed: Did not address the moral or public health aspects of Napier barracks

How: Changing Subject

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