Key Facts

• The Committee will meet on specific dates from September 21 to November 4.
• Scheduled witnesses include the British Red Cross, Immigration Services Union, Derbyshire Police, Kent County Council, and others.
• Proceedings will be in private before witnesses are admitted.
• The British Red Cross works with around 30,000 people annually across the UK's asylum process.
• Challenges include dangerous journeys, backlog in decision-making, and lack of support for mental health and accommodation.
• VOICES Network, a group of individuals with lived experience, provided evidence to the Government during consultations.
• Clause 10 would allow differentiated treatment of refugees based on entry method.
• Temporary protection visas may last two and a half years in the UK, extendable at each point.
• Family reunion visas are predominantly granted to women and children (90%).
• One third of people supported by the British Red Cross in destitution services have refugee status.
• There are around 70,000 people waiting for an initial asylum decision.
• The majority have been waiting longer than six months.
• Clause 11 of the Nationality and Borders Bill aims to address accommodation pressure but relies on outdated legislation from 2002.
• A recent special development order extended Napier Barracks use by five years with a limit of 90 days for individuals staying there.
• Clause 10 of the Nationality and Borders Bill addresses differential treatment.
• Stoke-on-Trent is a member of the asylum dispersal scheme and the fifth largest contributor in the UK.
• Some individuals enter via safe routes, such as from Afghanistan, while others are illegal economic migrants already in safe countries like France.
• Over 70% of those entering the UK via small boats are 18 to 30-year-old men.
• Clause 10 would treat individuals who enter the country irregularly differently from those who arrive legally.
• France receives at least three times as many asylum applications as the UK.
• The number of people claiming asylum in the UK is not at historic highs.
• There has been a slowdown in decision-making rates over many years, predating the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Napier accommodation centre has had a negative impact on residents.
• Penally Barracks had a live firing range that was retraumatising for asylum seekers.
• The UK receives around 35,000 to 40,000 asylum applications annually.
• Germany received four times as many asylum applications as the UK last year.
• France received three times as many asylum applications as the UK did last year.
• Spain received twice as many asylum applications as the UK last year.
• The Nationality and Borders Bill is being discussed in a Public Bill Committee.
• Concerns are raised about the effectiveness of the bill in deterring illegal immigration and providing safe routes for asylum seekers.
• Legal aid provisions are mentioned, but more comprehensive support for those entering the NRM is suggested.
• The Committee is concluding the morning session.
• Members are requested to leave promptly after the session ends.
• Social distancing must be observed when leaving.
• The Committee will meet again this afternoon at Two o'clock.