Question to the Home Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what plans they have (1) to reopen the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme and the Community Sponsorship programme, (2) to provide safe and legal routes for refugees to reach the UK, and (3) to support UK sponsor groups to receive refugees.

Due to coronavirus (COVID-19) related restrictions and pressures, both overseas and in the UK, it is not currently possible to undertake any refugee resettlement activity. We continue to evaluate how to respond given these restrictions and pressures, but we expect to resume refugee resettlement activity, including Community Sponsorship, when safe to do so.

Safe and legal routes are a core part of our proposed reforms to the asylum system to ensure it is both firm and fair. As made clear in the answer on 21 October (HL Deb, col 1598), as an integral part of that work, the Government will conduct a review of safe and legal routes to the UK for asylum seekers, refugees and their families.

We are continuing to support Community Sponsor groups via Reset, our grant funded support organisation. This support includes virtual drop in sessions, online resources, newsletters and more tailored advice and support as required.