Covid-19: Support and Accommodation for Asylum Seekers Debate

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Department: Home Office

Covid-19: Support and Accommodation for Asylum Seekers

Stuart Anderson Excerpts
Monday 29th June 2020

(4 years, 4 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Chris Philp Portrait Chris Philp
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There is currently a police investigation under way, so the right thing is to wait for the outcome of that investigation by Police Scotland before making any further comment. On the conditions that asylum seekers live in, as I have said, this country has an extremely proud history of looking after asylum seekers. We look after them much better than many, if not most, other European countries, with free accommodation, council tax paid for, utilities paid for, NHS treatment provided free, education provided for those with children, and a cash allowance in addition. I am proud of our record and am very happy to defend it.

Stuart Anderson Portrait Stuart Anderson (Wolverhampton South West) (Con)
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I also echo your comments, Mr Speaker, and my thoughts are with everyone in Glasgow impacted by the incident.

Wolverhampton City of Sanctuary have been doing great with asylum seekers throughout the covid-19 pandemic and have been brilliant at making sure everyone is connected with each other during this difficult time. At the end of the pandemic, will my hon. Friend come and meet them to see the great work they are doing in Wolverhampton?

Chris Philp Portrait Chris Philp
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I congratulate my hon. Friend and the fine city of Wolverhampton on their work. It sounds like they are setting an example to the rest of the country in how to manage this matter with compassion and sensitivity. I would of course be delighted to learn more about the work that he and his colleagues on Wolverhampton City Council are doing.