Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Afghan Resettlement

Thursday 7 September 2023 · 4 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 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministers discussed the transition of Afghan resettlement from temporary hotels to independent accommodation.
  • The minister thanked local communities, particularly in North Devon, for welcoming Afghan families.
  • The government highlighted differences between Ukrainian and Afghan resettlement needs, focusing on long-term accommodation solutions for Afghans.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Grant SNP
Asylum & Refugees
Context

MP Peter Grant asked about recent discussions with Cabinet colleagues regarding the support for Afghan people who have been resettled in the UK to access independent accommodation.

Question

What recent discussions has he held with Cabinet colleagues on supporting Afghan people who have been resettled in the UK to access independent accommodation?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

Hotels are not and never were designed to be long-term accommodation for Afghans resettled in the UK. As of 1 September, no legally resettled Afghans remain in bridging accommodation. Time-limited contingency accommodation will be provided in cases where there is a need to bridge gaps between notice periods or medical needs.

Answered
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Q2 Selaine Saxby
Immigration Community Security
Context

MP Selaine Saxby welcomed the new Afghan families to her constituency and thanked everyone locally for their efforts.

Question

Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming the new Afghan families to North Devon and thank everyone locally who is working to ensure that their resettlement is as smooth as possible?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

I thank my hon. Friend for her question and pay tribute to all those working locally in her constituency to prepare to welcome Afghan families to the area, especially given North Devon's military history and long-standing support for veterans.

Not addressed: Welcoming Afghan families in North Devon

How: Changed Subject Entirely

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Q3 Peter Grant SNP
Immigration Asylum & Refugees Ukraine
Context

MP Peter Grant acknowledged the dedication of public and voluntary agencies in Fife but raised concerns about mass evictions of Afghan refugees. He asked why a Homes for Afghans scheme similar to the Homes for Ukraine was not considered.

Question

Why have the Government not even considered a Homes for Afghans scheme, similar to the Homes for Ukraine scheme that made such a difference to desperate Ukrainian refugees?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

These are two different cohorts. Ukrainians are looking to return to Ukraine; the Afghan cohort will stay here for an indeterminate period. The Government is looking at all ways to assist Afghans, honouring commitments made to them.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Why a Homes for Afghans scheme was not considered

How: Hedging Language

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Q4 Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North
Asylum & Refugees
Context

MP Dan Jarvis mentioned that around 2,000 ARAP-entitled Afghans are stuck in hotels in Islamabad and asked about the plan to get them into settled accommodation.

Question

What is the plan to get those 2,000 ARAP-entitled Afghans into settled accommodation?

Answer from Johnny Mercer

The hon. Member knows this is a long-standing concern. My area of responsibility has been completed regarding hotels and accommodation; this is now the Home Office's domain, though I am aware of the commitment to these people.

Not addressed: Plan for ARAP-entitled Afghans in Islamabad

How: Changed Subject Entirely

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