Asylum Support (Prescribed Period) Bill [HL] 2024-26

<i>The above-named Lords give notice of their intention to oppose the Question that Clause 1 stand part of the Bill.</i>

<p>This seeks to prevent the introduction of a minimum 56-day period in which asylum support must be maintained.</p>

<i>The above-named Lords give notice of their intention to oppose the Question that Clause 3 stand part of the Bill.</i>

<p>Alongside the opposition to Clause 1 standing part, this seeks to prevent the introduction of a minimum 56 day period in which asylum support must be maintained.</p>

2

Clause 4, page 2, line 10, leave out subsections (2) and (3)

<p>This amendment seeks to prevent the provisions set out in this Bill from coming into force.</p>

1

After Clause 1, insert the following new Clause—<br> <b>“Issuing of biometric residence document</b><br> (1) Section 94 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (Interpretation of Part VI) is amended as follows.<br> (2) At the end of subsection (3), insert “, subject to subsection (3A)”.<br> (3) After subsection (3) insert—<br> “(3A) Where—<br> (a) the Secretary of State notifies the claimant that his decision is to accept the asylum claim,<br> (b) the Secretary of State notifies the claimant that his decision is to reject the asylum claim but at the same time notifies the claimant that he is giving the claimant limited leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom, or<br> (c) an appeal by the claimant against the Secretary of State’s decision has been disposed of by being allowed,<br> <span class="wrapped">then the period prescribed under subsection (3) may not begin until the claimant has access to a relevant biometric immigration document.</span><br> (3B) for the purposes of subsection (3A), a relevant biometric immigration document is a document that—<br> (a) records biometric information (as defined in section 15(1A) of the UK Borders Act 2007); and<br> (b) is evidence of leave to remain in the United Kingdom.””

<p>This new clause would require a newly recognised refugee to have access to a biometric residence document that can be used as proof of immigration status and identity before the start of the prescribed period between a refugee being granted refugee status and the ending of their eligibility for accommodation and financial support provided by the Home Office.</p>

3

Clause 4, page 2, line 10, at end insert—<br> “(2A) Section 1 comes into force on such a day as the Secretary of State appoints by regulation.<br> (2B) The day appointed under subsection (2A) may not be before the completion of any trial period during which section 1(2) would have had effect.<br> (2C) A statutory instrument containing regulations under subsection (2A) is subject to annulment in pursuance of a resolution of either House of Parliament.”

<p>This amendment would enable the Secretary of State to determine when the extension of the prescribed period from 28 to 56 days as set out in clause 1 would come into force. It would require any trial of the extension, such as the one currently underway, to be completed prior to commencement of clause 1.</p>

4

Clause 4, page 2, line 11, leave out “1,”

<p>This amendment is consequential on the amendment above.</p>