Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what financial provisions are made available to those who arrive to this country illegally in small boats, for clothing, food, laundry and other essentials; and whether such persons have immediate access to all NHS services.

The Home Office has a legal obligation to meet the essential living needs of asylum seekers or dependents who appear to be destitute or are likely to become destitute within a prescribed period, while their asylum claim is being considered.

Details of what is considered essential can be found in the annual asylum support rate review reports, published on gov.uk; www.gov.uk/government/publications/report-on-review-of-cash-allowance-paid-to-asylum-seekers(opens in a new tab).

Asylum seekers are not eligible for mainstream benefits.

The Home Office and its contractors work closely with the NHS, local authorities and non-governmental organisations to ensure that asylum seekers can address any necessary healthcare requirements

Further information about support asylum seekers may be entitled to can be found at: Asylum support: What you'll get - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)(opens in a new tab)