Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what recent discussions they have had with the police, the Local Government Association and other stakeholders on the impact of their plans for fast-tracking, and granting, multiple asylum applications, in respect of (1) public safety, (2) national security, (3) community cohesion, (4) the probation service, and (5) local government finance.

On 23 July 2024, the Home Secretary laid a Statutory Instrument in Parliament which removed the retrospective application of the Illegal Migration Act 2023. This has enabled decision-makers to resume their work in processing asylum claims from those who arrived in the UK from 7 March 2023 onwards. This is an important step to restore order to the asylum system and ease the burden on the taxpayer.

Each asylum claim will be considered on its individual merits and all claimants are subject to mandatory security checks. Those who qualify are normally granted five years’ limited leave and have access to the labour market. Those found not to need protection are refused.

The Home Office does and will continue to engage with other Government Departments and a number of external stakeholders regarding the impact that the asylum system has on other areas.