Oral Answers to Questions

Selaine Saxby Excerpts

Thursday 7th September 2023 Commons Chamber

[Jeremy Quin]

We commit to responding as soon as we can to the final report. The hon. Gentleman is right that we have accepted the moral case for compensation. After the final report comes through, we will be bringing out our response as swiftly as we can.

[Selaine Saxby (North Devon) (Con)]

9. What assessment he has made with Cabinet colleagues of the progress made on moving Afghan people from hotels to settled accommodation.

[Peter Grant (Glenrothes) (SNP)]

20. What recent discussions he has held with Cabinet colleagues on supporting Afghan people who have been resettled in the UK to access independent accommodation.

[The Minister for Veterans’ Affairs (Johnny Mercer)]

Hotels are not and never were designed to be long-term accommodation for Afghans resettled in the UK. I am therefore pleased to say that, as of 1 September, in line with our promises, no legally resettled Afghans remain in bridging accommodation. As I told the House on 18 July, there is a small number for whom time-limited contingency accommodation will be provided, including where there is a need to bridge the short gap between the end of notice periods and settled accommodation being ready for them to move into, and in cases of medical need, where a family member requires continued attendance at a specific hospital.

[Selaine Saxby]

Will my right hon. Friend join me in welcoming the new Afghan families to North Devon and thank everyone locally who is working to ensure that their resettlement is as smooth as possible and to give them a true Devonian welcome?