Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The use of asylum hotels has been a contentious issue, with numbers dropping from 213 in July 2024 to less than 170 currently.
What steps her Department is taking to close asylum hotels. The number of hotels has decreased but concerns remain about community impact and appropriate accommodation for families being moved out of these hotels, especially in Scotland.
The Government committed to end asylum hotel use by this Parliament. We have reduced the number from 213 in July 2024 to fewer than 170 today, and we continue to move people into more basic accommodation while speeding up caseworking and removing record numbers of individuals.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific steps for moving families into suitable accommodation were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Hotels have become a source of right-wing intimidation, affecting community cohesion in areas where asylum seekers are housed.
Can she reassure me that as families are moved out of these hotels, particularly in Scotland, they are put in accommodation that is appropriate not only for them but also for the communities in which they are housed? The concern is about proper support and community impact.
We work closely with local authorities, accommodation providers, and safeguarding partners to ensure that families and vulnerable individuals receive the necessary support during any move. We understand the impact of hotels on community tensions but emphasize the right to peaceful protest.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific details about suitable accommodations in Scotland were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Up to 1,500 asylum seekers may be placed at RAF Linton-on-Ouse in a village of around 600 adults. A nearby primary school is also affected.
Will she now rule out RAF Linton-on-Ouse as an inappropriate site because of the proximity to a primary school? The concern is for community cohesion and appropriate placement of asylum seekers.
No decision has been taken yet, but all factors including proximity to schools and community facilities are considered in the decision-making process.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific ruling out of RAF Linton-on-Ouse was not given.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
Three asylum hotels were inherited, and regular updates have been requested regarding their closure.
Can she give an update on the closure of any of the asylum hotels in Bournemouth? The MP has previously asked for updates on 5 January, 9 February, 9 March, and 8 June.
The Government is committed to ending the use of all asylum hotels by the end of this Parliament. While further positive news may come, no specific update was given for Bournemouth's hotels.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific closure status updates were not provided.
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Home Secretary is addressing the issue of moving asylum seekers out of hotels and into camps, while also considering ways to reduce inflows.
What plans does she have for truly deterring people from coming to Britain on small boats? The concern is about reducing inflow and ensuring effective deterrence strategies.
We will debate a Bill later today that includes measures to reduce the inflow of people coming across the channel. Since becoming Home Secretary, we have announced policy changes designed to alter the calculations of those seeking to come here on boats.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans for deterring boat journeys were not detailed.
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The cost of asylum accommodation has more than tripled from under £5 billion to over £15 billion, with concerns about value for money.
Given the high costs, is the Home Secretary planning to activate break clauses in these expensive contracts? The right hon. Member for Makerfield has expressed an ambition to do so if he becomes Prime Minister next week.
We will retender these contracts to ensure better value for money. Since taking office, the cost of asylum accommodation and support has decreased by more than £1 billion.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific plans to activate break clauses were not detailed.
Response accuracy