Asked by: Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what they consider safe, legal routes to be for asylum seekers from (1) Afghanistan, (2) Iraq, (3) Iran, and (4) Somalia.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
The UK welcomes refugees and people in need of protection through its existing resettlement schemes. The government encourages eligible individuals to use established safe and legal pathways. These include the UK Resettlement Scheme, Community Sponsorship, Mandate Resettlement Scheme, the Afghanistan Citizens Resettlement Scheme, and the Afghanistan Relocations and Assistance Policy.
Individuals from the listed countries may be eligible for resettlement through these existing schemes.
In addition to our refugee resettlement schemes, family reunion policy allows a spouse/partner and the children under 18 of those granted protection in the UK to join them here if they formed part of the family unit before the sponsor fled their country.
Since 2015, we have resettled more than 27,000 refugees through safe and legal routes directly from regions of conflict and instability – around half of whom are children.
With worldwide displacement now standing at around 80 million people, we cannot help everyone. We will, however, continue to maintain clear, well-defined safe, and legal routes for people who need protection. Access to the UK’s asylum system should be based on need, not on the ability to pay people smugglers. Those already in a safe country should claim asylum there.
More information on safe and legal routes is available on GOV.UK
Asked by: Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of how long the policy of removing asylum seekers to Rwanda will take to reduce significantly the illegal activity of people traffickers; and whether they will publish the risk assessment for this policy.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
This Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda is part of a suite of measures aimed at breaking the business model of evil people smuggling gangs and as with all policies, its impact will be kept under review.
Asked by: Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what language support is available to those women in Hassockfield Immigration Removal Centre who do not have English as a first language.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
The Detention Centre Rules 2001 regulate how immigration removal centres are operated, with the overall purpose of the rules being to ensure a secure and humane environment. The safety, security and welfare of staff and detained individuals are of vital importance in the operation of the immigration removal estate, and this includes the strict regulation of those entering and working in immigration removal centres, under Rule 53 of the Detention Centre Rules.
Members of Independent Monitoring Boards, who are appointed by the Home Secretary under section 152 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, are required to sign the Official Secrets Act as part of the Home Office clearance process. The published Detention Services Order (DSO) ‘Whistleblowing – The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (c.23)’ sets out guidance for Home Office staff, our suppliers and visitors on whistleblowing procedures.
All those detained in immigration removal centres (IRCs), including Derwentside IRC, have access to independent interpreting services. As set out in DSO 06/2013 “Reception, Induction and Discharge’, professional interpreting facilities must be used whenever language barriers are identified on reception, induction, or discharge. New operational guidance, Detention Services Order ‘Interpretation Services and use of Translation Devices’ will be published shortly. This guidance will set out the provisions, including interpretation services and translation devices, available for individuals held in immigration detention and the circumstances in which these should be used.
All IRCs have dedicated health facilities run by doctors and nurses which are managed by the NHS, or appropriate providers, and deliver trauma informed mental health services, where appropriate. A range of trauma informed services are provided at Derwentside IRC, including trauma stabilisation, trauma informed cognitive behavioural therapy and services for sexual abuse crisis. The services available are supplemented by guidance and advice on trauma informed restorative practice being provided to onsite staff, from a specialist external organisation.
In addition to published guidance, staff at all centres are also given training and support to proactively identify and act upon indicators of vulnerability at the earliest opportunity and Detainee Custody Officers at Derwentside IRC receive trauma informed training as part of their induction and refresher training courses, to ensure effective and supportive engagement with residents. Welfare teams are onsite at every IRC to assist detained individuals in accessing support specific to their needs.
Asked by: Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what access the residents of Hassockfield Immigration Removal Centre have to trauma-informed counselling.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
The Detention Centre Rules 2001 regulate how immigration removal centres are operated, with the overall purpose of the rules being to ensure a secure and humane environment. The safety, security and welfare of staff and detained individuals are of vital importance in the operation of the immigration removal estate, and this includes the strict regulation of those entering and working in immigration removal centres, under Rule 53 of the Detention Centre Rules.
Members of Independent Monitoring Boards, who are appointed by the Home Secretary under section 152 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, are required to sign the Official Secrets Act as part of the Home Office clearance process. The published Detention Services Order (DSO) ‘Whistleblowing – The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (c.23)’ sets out guidance for Home Office staff, our suppliers and visitors on whistleblowing procedures.
All those detained in immigration removal centres (IRCs), including Derwentside IRC, have access to independent interpreting services. As set out in DSO 06/2013 “Reception, Induction and Discharge’, professional interpreting facilities must be used whenever language barriers are identified on reception, induction, or discharge. New operational guidance, Detention Services Order ‘Interpretation Services and use of Translation Devices’ will be published shortly. This guidance will set out the provisions, including interpretation services and translation devices, available for individuals held in immigration detention and the circumstances in which these should be used.
All IRCs have dedicated health facilities run by doctors and nurses which are managed by the NHS, or appropriate providers, and deliver trauma informed mental health services, where appropriate. A range of trauma informed services are provided at Derwentside IRC, including trauma stabilisation, trauma informed cognitive behavioural therapy and services for sexual abuse crisis. The services available are supplemented by guidance and advice on trauma informed restorative practice being provided to onsite staff, from a specialist external organisation.
In addition to published guidance, staff at all centres are also given training and support to proactively identify and act upon indicators of vulnerability at the earliest opportunity and Detainee Custody Officers at Derwentside IRC receive trauma informed training as part of their induction and refresher training courses, to ensure effective and supportive engagement with residents. Welfare teams are onsite at every IRC to assist detained individuals in accessing support specific to their needs.
Asked by: Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government why those who have been approved as official visitors to Hassockfield Immigration Removal Centre in Country Durham are required to sign the Official Secrets Act, and how should any concerns be raised and people be held accountable if visitors are unable to report anything publicly.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
The Detention Centre Rules 2001 regulate how immigration removal centres are operated, with the overall purpose of the rules being to ensure a secure and humane environment. The safety, security and welfare of staff and detained individuals are of vital importance in the operation of the immigration removal estate, and this includes the strict regulation of those entering and working in immigration removal centres, under Rule 53 of the Detention Centre Rules.
Members of Independent Monitoring Boards, who are appointed by the Home Secretary under section 152 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999, are required to sign the Official Secrets Act as part of the Home Office clearance process. The published Detention Services Order (DSO) ‘Whistleblowing – The Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 (c.23)’ sets out guidance for Home Office staff, our suppliers and visitors on whistleblowing procedures.
All those detained in immigration removal centres (IRCs), including Derwentside IRC, have access to independent interpreting services. As set out in DSO 06/2013 “Reception, Induction and Discharge’, professional interpreting facilities must be used whenever language barriers are identified on reception, induction, or discharge. New operational guidance, Detention Services Order ‘Interpretation Services and use of Translation Devices’ will be published shortly. This guidance will set out the provisions, including interpretation services and translation devices, available for individuals held in immigration detention and the circumstances in which these should be used.
All IRCs have dedicated health facilities run by doctors and nurses which are managed by the NHS, or appropriate providers, and deliver trauma informed mental health services, where appropriate. A range of trauma informed services are provided at Derwentside IRC, including trauma stabilisation, trauma informed cognitive behavioural therapy and services for sexual abuse crisis. The services available are supplemented by guidance and advice on trauma informed restorative practice being provided to onsite staff, from a specialist external organisation.
In addition to published guidance, staff at all centres are also given training and support to proactively identify and act upon indicators of vulnerability at the earliest opportunity and Detainee Custody Officers at Derwentside IRC receive trauma informed training as part of their induction and refresher training courses, to ensure effective and supportive engagement with residents. Welfare teams are onsite at every IRC to assist detained individuals in accessing support specific to their needs.
Asked by: Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have to publish their plans relating to the former Hassockfield Young Offenders Centre in Medomsley.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
The immigration removal estate is kept under ongoing review to ensure that the Home Office has sufficient capacity, in the right places and that it provides value for money.
The Home Office has acquired the former Hassockfield Secure Training Centre in County Durham and will open it as an immigration removal centre by the Autumn. Initial discussions with the planning authority have taken place and work will commence at the site shortly.
In order to meet operational needs and demands, we will continue to operate the immigration removal estate, in a flexible manner.
Asked by: Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of how many children of the Windrush generation who had been in local authority care now have an uncertain legal residency status; and what steps they are taking to clarify the status of such people.
Answered by Baroness Williams of Trafford - Captain of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms (HM Household) (Chief Whip, House of Lords)
Information about children of the Windrush generation who had been in local authority care is not automatically reported to the Home Office.
We are fully committed to helping all members of the Windrush generation who have faced difficulties to evidence their status in the UK and are making that process as straightforward as possible. A dedicated Home Office taskforce has been set up to help them and other long-term residents to evidence their right to be in the UK and to access the necessary services and benefits. Individuals can contact the Home Office, by telephone on 0800 678 1925 or by emailing commonwealthtaskforce@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk.
We have also put in place additional protection for landlords, employers and others conducting checks in order to ensure we are not denying work, housing, benefits and services to Commonwealth migrants who have been long-term residents of the UK.
Asked by: Baroness Armstrong of Hill Top (Labour - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they will list those persons appointed as chairs of non-departmental public bodies by the Home Office.
Answered by Lord Bates
Listed below are current chair appointments to non-departmental public bodies made by the Home Office and announced in line with the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments (April 2012):
William (Bill) Griffths – Disclosure and Barring Service
Margaret Beels – Gangmasters Licensing Authority
Christopher Spencer – Independent Family Returns Panel
Professor Sir David Metcalf – Migration Advisory Committee
Elizabeth France – Security Industry Authority
Professor Leslie Iverson – Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs
John Landers – Animals in Science Committee Professor Dame Shirley Pearce – College of Policing
Dame Ann Owers – Independent Police Complaints Commission
Chris Hughes – National DNA Database Ethics Group
David Lebrecht – Police and National Crime Agency Remuneration Review Body
Jonathan Hoyle – Technical Advisory Board
Home Office public appointments are usually announced via the department’s GOV.UK website or, in some instances, via the appointing body’s website