Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions her Department has had with its French counterpart on plans in place to provide shelter and help to refugees who may have a legal right to claim asylum in the UK who are currently residing in the Grande Synthe refugee camp in Dunkirk.

The provision of accommodation for asylum-seekers in France is a matter for the French authorities. The UK has regular engagement at ministerial and senior official level with the French authorities regarding the situation in Northern France, including the provision of accommodation for asylum-seekers. French officials are clear that everyone has the right to claim asylum in France.

In addition to the existing welcome centres across France, France has recently opened four new centres, away from the Grande Synthe area, where those wishing to claim asylum will be supported through the asylum process. There is regular transportation from Grande Synthe to these centres for those wishing to claim asylum.

Under the Dublin Regulation, France may make a request to the UK to take responsibility for an asylum claim where the relevant criteria are met. This requires an asylum claim to first be made in France and a take charge request made of the UK. We continue to work closely with the French authorities to ensure the quick and effective operation of the Dublin Regulation.