Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Asylum Application Backlog

Monday 15 January 2024 · 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 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The backlog of asylum applications is at its lowest point since December 2022, with over 112,000 claims processed last year.
  • The use of hotels as asylum accommodation is being reduced to cut costs and improve efficiency.
  • The Labour party's proposal to recruit more staff is criticized for lacking commitment and understanding of the Rwanda scheme's success.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Asylum & Refugees
Context

There is a significant backlog in asylum application processing, causing delays for individuals awaiting decisions. The Refugee Council reports over 30,000 new cases in the last six months.

Question

I am concerned about the backlog of asylum applications and its impact on those waiting for decisions. My constituent has waited over a year since their interview, reflecting ongoing systemic issues despite recent improvements. What steps are being taken to address this issue?

Answer from James Cleverly

Last year we cleared the equivalent of 90,000 legacy claims and processed a total of more than 112,000 claims—the largest volume in two decades. The total asylum backlog is now at its lowest point since December 2022. We continue to review and improve processes to accelerate decision making.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about reducing delays for new cases was not directly addressed with concrete commitments or timelines.

How: General Improvement Statements

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Q2 Andy Carter
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Four hotels in Warrington are currently housing asylum seekers, raising concerns about the cost and the need for faster processing of claims.

Question

There are four hotels in my constituency housing asylum seekers. Will you provide an update on hotel closures? What steps are being taken to speed up claim processing while residents wait in these accommodations?

Answer from James Cleverly

We are moving away from using hotels as asylum accommodation to reduce costs. Recruitment levels will be maintained, and processes improved to continue speeding up claim processing.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about hotel closures in the constituency was not directly addressed with concrete updates or timelines.

How: General Improvement Statements

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Q3 Wendy Chamberlain Lib Dem North East Fife
Asylum & Refugees
Context

Recent data indicates a significant number of new asylum claims, increasing pressure on the system. My constituent has waited over 15 months since their interview.

Question

My constituent waited more than a year after an initial interview to receive a final decision. The Refugee Council reports 33,085 new cases in six months. What specific actions are being taken to address delays for recent claims?

Answer from James Cleverly

Improved processes and increased staffing mean that not only legacy but also current cases will be processed more quickly, reducing the need for accommodation. Individual circumstances vary.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific ask about recent case delays was not directly addressed with concrete actions or timelines.

How: General Improvement Statements

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Q4 Stephen Kinnock Lab Aberafan Maesteg
Immigration Asylum & Refugees
Context

The number of rejected asylum seekers removed from the UK has fallen since Labour left office in 2010. Recent reports indicate that over 85% of identified individuals for removal to Rwanda are missing.

Question

Since 2010, removals of rejected asylum seekers have dropped by 50%. Over the weekend, it was revealed that nearly 90% of those identified for removal to Rwanda are untraceable. Where are these individuals? Will you acknowledge the failure of the Rwanda plan and adopt Labour's proposal to recruit more immigration officers?

Answer from James Cleverly

The mask has slipped. The Labour party says they would scrap a successful Rwanda scheme, showing their lack of commitment. They have no plan.

Not addressed: The specific ask about the Rwanda plan's efficacy and additional recruitment was entirely avoided in favour of attacking Labour's stance.

How: Criticizing Opposition

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