Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to allow Russians who oppose the current regime in that country who are (a) already in the UK and (b) currently outside the UK to seek long-term sanctuary in the UK.

The UK has a proud record of providing protection for people who need it, in accordance with our obligations under the Refugee Convention and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

However, there is no provision within our Immigration Rules for someone to be allowed to travel to the UK to seek asylum or temporary refuge.  Whilst we sympathise with people in many difficult situations around the world, including those individuals in Russia who are opposing the current regime, we are not bound to consider asylum claims from the very large numbers of people overseas who might like to come here.  Those who need international protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach, as this is the fastest route to safety.

There are a range of safe and legal routes for individuals to come to the UK should they wish to join family members here, or to work or study. They would though need to meet the requirements of the relevant Immigration Rule under which they were applying to qualify for a visa.

While we do not allow asylum claims from abroad, all asylum claims lodged from within the UK are given full and careful consideration so we do not remove anyone who faces persecution or serious harm on return to their country of origin. Protection is normally granted where a claimant has a well-founded fear of persecution under the Refugee Convention, or their circumstances engage our obligations under Article 3 ECHR.