Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Asylum Seekers: Support

Monday 19 December 2022 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Rachael Maskell and the Minister met to discuss the issue of support for asylum seekers.
  • The Minister expressed gratitude for Maskell's input and the work in York.
  • Theresa Villiers inquired about asylum seekers claiming in France instead of entering the UK.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Asylum & Refugees Benefits & Welfare
Context

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and British Red Cross have highlighted that 13,000 individuals have been trafficked into modern slavery, posing a risk to those not in regular employment.

Question

The UNHCR and the British Red Cross have highlighted how 13,000 individuals have been trafficked into modern slavery. As a result of this situation, what steps will the Minister take to ensure local authorities have sufficient funds for full support programmes for asylum seekers while they wait? Additionally, are there pilot schemes to allow access to the labour market?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

The hon. Lady and I have met to discuss this issue, and I am grateful for her thoughts and the good work done in York. While we do not agree that those awaiting asylum decisions should have access to the labour market due to concerns about it being a pull factor, there are other ways they can contribute positively through volunteering. We want to work with local authorities and stakeholders to explore these options.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister avoided committing to local authority funding for comprehensive support programs or pilot schemes for labour market access.

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Q2 Rachael Maskell Labour (Co-op) York Central
Asylum & Refugees Employment Local Government
Context

The UNHCR and the British Red Cross have highlighted that 13,000 individuals have been trafficked into modern slavery, posing a risk to those not in regular employment.

Question

Given the concerns raised by the UNHCR and the British Red Cross about trafficking and risks for asylum seekers without employment, what steps will be taken to ensure local authorities have sufficient funds for full support programmes for these individuals while they await decisions on their applications? Additionally, are there plans for pilot schemes allowing access to the labour market?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

The hon. Lady and I have met to discuss this issue, and I am grateful for her thoughts and the good work done in York. While we do not agree that those awaiting asylum decisions should have access to the labour market due to concerns about it being a pull factor, there are other ways they can contribute positively through volunteering. We want to work with local authorities and stakeholders to explore these options.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister avoided committing to funding for comprehensive support programs or pilot schemes for labour market access.

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Q3 Theresa Villiers Con
Asylum & Refugees
Context

France is recognised as a safe country, and asylum seekers are often trafficked to the UK rather than claiming asylum there.

Question

Given that France is recognised as a safe country for refugees, should not those fleeing persecution claim asylum there instead of paying smugglers to bring them across the channel in small boats?

Answer from Robert Jenrick

As ever, my right hon. Friend is absolutely right. Those claiming asylum should do so in the first safe country they pass through, and France is demonstrably a safe country. The system we want to build includes taking claims for hearing in third countries like Rwanda and focusing resources on targeted resettlement schemes.

Answered

Not addressed: null

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