Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Refugees: UK Resettlement Scheme

Monday 22 November 2021 · 2 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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions took place on 2021-11-22 regarding the UK resettlement scheme for refugees.
  • Munira Wilson from Twickenham inquired about the progress made in resettling refugees under the scheme since its launch in March 2021.
  • Wilson also questioned the delay in resettling families in prepared homes, citing a financial waste and inadequate accommodation for evacuees.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Since the launch of the UK resettlement scheme in March 2021, there has been ongoing concern about its progress and effectiveness.

Question

What progress she has made on resettling refugees under the UK resettlement scheme. Since the launch of the UK resettlement scheme in March 2021, I am proud that Liberal Democrat-run Richmond Council, and many of my constituents, stated early during the Afghan crisis that refugees are welcome in our borough, and that they would work hard to support and rehouse those evacuated. Over the past few weeks some £6,500 has been spent on family homes for evacuees from Afghanistan, but as yet no families have been resettled in those homes.

Answer from Kevin Foster

The comments by Richmond Council certainly contrasted with the approach that the Lib-Dem leader of Torbay Council took when first asked to take part in the Afghan resettlement scheme, but it made a welcome U-turn and we will play our part. Work is being done across the Government to support those who arrived as part of the emergency evacuation back in August, and those who will arrive under the resettlement scheme, to ensure they can be housed quickly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific actions or commitments on resettling families quickly where accommodation is available.

How: The Comments By Richmond Council Certainly Contrasted With The Approach That The Lib-Dem Leader Of Torbay Council Took When First Asked To Take Part In The Afghan Resettlement Scheme, But It Made A Welcome U-Turn And We Will Play Our Part.

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Q2 Munira Wilson Lib Dem Twickenham
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Richmond Council, along with many constituents, has stated its willingness to welcome and support refugees evacuated from Afghanistan. Despite this commitment, no families have been resettled in the borough despite £6,500 being spent on family homes for evacuees.

Question

Over the past few weeks some £6,500 has been spent on family homes for evacuees from Afghanistan, but as yet no families have been resettled in those homes. Not only is that a waste of taxpayers' money, but presumably there are many families in unsuitable hotel accommodation. What is the Minister doing to ensure that families who have been evacuated will be resettled quickly where accommodation is available?

Answer from Kevin Foster

The comments by Richmond Council certainly contrasted with the approach that the Lib-Dem leader of Torbay Council took when first asked to take part in the Afghan resettlement scheme, but it made a welcome U-turn and we will play our part. Work is being done across the Government to support those who arrived as part of the emergency evacuation back in August, and those who will arrive under the resettlement scheme, to ensure they can be housed quickly.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No specific actions or commitments on resettling families quickly where accommodation is available.

How: The Comments By Richmond Council Certainly Contrasted With The Approach That The Lib-Dem Leader Of Torbay Council Took When First Asked To Take Part In The Afghan Resettlement Scheme, But It Made A Welcome U-Turn And We Will Play Our Part.

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)