Asked by: Lord German (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they plan to conduct impact assessments on making refugee protection subject to renewal every 30 months, including its impact on integration outcomes and Home Office resources.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The November 2025 Asylum Policy Statement set out plans to restore order and increase public confidence in the integrity of the asylum system. The reforms aim to balance increased control over those entering the UK by irregular means with successful integration for those granted protection, enabling people to contribute positively to society. Integration brings significant benefits for individuals, taxpayers, and communities.
Under Core Protection, protection will be granted for the duration of need, lasting only until a refugee can safely return home. We have started to implement these changes. Adults and accompanied children claiming asylum from 2 March 2026 will receive a 30-month period of protection, if granted. This change marks the start of introducing a new regime for those seeking protection in the UK.
Individuals will need to apply to renew their status every 30 months. Before their permission to stay expires, an individual must lodge the relevant application to renew their permission to stay under the Immigration Rules in place at the relevant time to continue to receive their associated entitlements of right to work and access to public funds. The HO will also assess whether an individual’s protection needs are ongoing for example, if there has been a significant and durable change in the country situation. At a 30-month review, refugees with a continuing need of sanctuary will have their protection renewed, while those who no longer have a protection need will be expected to return home.
The approach to reviewing status will be efficient and targeted; we will reassess where country conditions or personal circumstances have changed significantly. We will build on the efficiencies that have already seen record levels of initial decisions being made. We will continue to monitor staffing levels and will deploy our workforce flexibly subject to business needs as we have done in the past.
We do not want people to remain on Core Protection for the long term, and only those who do remain on Core Protection will have their protection needs regularly reviewed. We will encourage refugees to switch out of the Core Protection route wherever possible into the new, Protection, Work and Study route, as part of the “core protection model”.
This new route will be created as an alternative to Core Protection for those who can contribute through work or study - directing people back into a controlled migration system, that they have otherwise stepped around. This is fairer and will contribute to better social cohesion. We want to encourage as many refugees as possible to switch from Core Protection into this new Protection, Work and Study route. That is why there is no limit to the number of refugees who can switch into this route and unlock additional entitlements, such as a shorter route to settlement and ability to sponsor family members, and to integrate more fully into the communities providing them sanctuary.
Those on the Protection, Work and Study Route will not undergo a safe, return review every 30 months as under Core Protection, provided that they continue in employment or education and successfully renew their leave on that basis. We will set out the rules of these routes in due course.
The Home Office is committed to changing the way we deliver our protection offer. We will continue to monitor the impact of this policy as it is developed and implemented. As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to impact assessments which will include considering the impact on integration and ensuring value for money. Equalities considerations are at the front and centre of our work. As required through the Public Sector Equality Duty, Home Office officials consider equality impacts throughout the policy development process, and the impact that asylum reforms will have on those with protected characteristics, is no exception.
The asylum and protection measures in the Bill, are just one aspect of wider reforms to transform the asylum system. The impact assessment will be completed once the whole model is fully designed. We are committed to ensuring that proposals are considered carefully, so that they support creation of a system which is both fair and sustainable.
Further details will be set out in future Immigration Rules changes.
Asked by: Lord German (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government how reducing refugee protection to 30 months aligns with wider Government aims of improving integration and social cohesion.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The November 2025 Asylum Policy Statement set out plans to restore order and increase public confidence in the integrity of the asylum system. The reforms aim to balance increased control over those entering the UK by irregular means with successful integration for those granted protection, enabling people to contribute positively to society. Integration brings significant benefits for individuals, taxpayers, and communities.
Under Core Protection, protection will be granted for the duration of need, lasting only until a refugee can safely return home. We have started to implement these changes. Adults and accompanied children claiming asylum from 2 March 2026 will receive a 30-month period of protection, if granted. This change marks the start of introducing a new regime for those seeking protection in the UK.
Individuals will need to apply to renew their status every 30 months. Before their permission to stay expires, an individual must lodge the relevant application to renew their permission to stay under the Immigration Rules in place at the relevant time to continue to receive their associated entitlements of right to work and access to public funds. The HO will also assess whether an individual’s protection needs are ongoing for example, if there has been a significant and durable change in the country situation. At a 30-month review, refugees with a continuing need of sanctuary will have their protection renewed, while those who no longer have a protection need will be expected to return home.
The approach to reviewing status will be efficient and targeted; we will reassess where country conditions or personal circumstances have changed significantly. We will build on the efficiencies that have already seen record levels of initial decisions being made. We will continue to monitor staffing levels and will deploy our workforce flexibly subject to business needs as we have done in the past.
We do not want people to remain on Core Protection for the long term, and only those who do remain on Core Protection will have their protection needs regularly reviewed. We will encourage refugees to switch out of the Core Protection route wherever possible into the new, Protection, Work and Study route, as part of the “core protection model”.
This new route will be created as an alternative to Core Protection for those who can contribute through work or study - directing people back into a controlled migration system, that they have otherwise stepped around. This is fairer and will contribute to better social cohesion. We want to encourage as many refugees as possible to switch from Core Protection into this new Protection, Work and Study route. That is why there is no limit to the number of refugees who can switch into this route and unlock additional entitlements, such as a shorter route to settlement and ability to sponsor family members, and to integrate more fully into the communities providing them sanctuary.
Those on the Protection, Work and Study Route will not undergo a safe, return review every 30 months as under Core Protection, provided that they continue in employment or education and successfully renew their leave on that basis. We will set out the rules of these routes in due course.
The Home Office is committed to changing the way we deliver our protection offer. We will continue to monitor the impact of this policy as it is developed and implemented. As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to impact assessments which will include considering the impact on integration and ensuring value for money. Equalities considerations are at the front and centre of our work. As required through the Public Sector Equality Duty, Home Office officials consider equality impacts throughout the policy development process, and the impact that asylum reforms will have on those with protected characteristics, is no exception.
The asylum and protection measures in the Bill, are just one aspect of wider reforms to transform the asylum system. The impact assessment will be completed once the whole model is fully designed. We are committed to ensuring that proposals are considered carefully, so that they support creation of a system which is both fair and sustainable.
Further details will be set out in future Immigration Rules changes.
Asked by: Lord German (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact on Home Office resources of making refugee protection subject to review every 30 months.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The November 2025 Asylum Policy Statement set out plans to restore order and increase public confidence in the integrity of the asylum system. The reforms aim to balance increased control over those entering the UK by irregular means with successful integration for those granted protection, enabling people to contribute positively to society. Integration brings significant benefits for individuals, taxpayers, and communities.
Under Core Protection, protection will be granted for the duration of need, lasting only until a refugee can safely return home. We have started to implement these changes. Adults and accompanied children claiming asylum from 2 March 2026 will receive a 30-month period of protection, if granted. This change marks the start of introducing a new regime for those seeking protection in the UK.
Individuals will need to apply to renew their status every 30 months. Before their permission to stay expires, an individual must lodge the relevant application to renew their permission to stay under the Immigration Rules in place at the relevant time to continue to receive their associated entitlements of right to work and access to public funds. The HO will also assess whether an individual’s protection needs are ongoing for example, if there has been a significant and durable change in the country situation. At a 30-month review, refugees with a continuing need of sanctuary will have their protection renewed, while those who no longer have a protection need will be expected to return home.
The approach to reviewing status will be efficient and targeted; we will reassess where country conditions or personal circumstances have changed significantly. We will build on the efficiencies that have already seen record levels of initial decisions being made. We will continue to monitor staffing levels and will deploy our workforce flexibly subject to business needs as we have done in the past.
We do not want people to remain on Core Protection for the long term, and only those who do remain on Core Protection will have their protection needs regularly reviewed. We will encourage refugees to switch out of the Core Protection route wherever possible into the new, Protection, Work and Study route, as part of the “core protection model”.
This new route will be created as an alternative to Core Protection for those who can contribute through work or study - directing people back into a controlled migration system, that they have otherwise stepped around. This is fairer and will contribute to better social cohesion. We want to encourage as many refugees as possible to switch from Core Protection into this new Protection, Work and Study route. That is why there is no limit to the number of refugees who can switch into this route and unlock additional entitlements, such as a shorter route to settlement and ability to sponsor family members, and to integrate more fully into the communities providing them sanctuary.
Those on the Protection, Work and Study Route will not undergo a safe, return review every 30 months as under Core Protection, provided that they continue in employment or education and successfully renew their leave on that basis. We will set out the rules of these routes in due course.
The Home Office is committed to changing the way we deliver our protection offer. We will continue to monitor the impact of this policy as it is developed and implemented. As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to impact assessments which will include considering the impact on integration and ensuring value for money. Equalities considerations are at the front and centre of our work. As required through the Public Sector Equality Duty, Home Office officials consider equality impacts throughout the policy development process, and the impact that asylum reforms will have on those with protected characteristics, is no exception.
The asylum and protection measures in the Bill, are just one aspect of wider reforms to transform the asylum system. The impact assessment will be completed once the whole model is fully designed. We are committed to ensuring that proposals are considered carefully, so that they support creation of a system which is both fair and sustainable.
Further details will be set out in future Immigration Rules changes.
Asked by: Lord German (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask His Majesty's Government what the renewal process for refugees with 30 months’ temporary protection will entail.
Answered by Lord Hanson of Flint - Minister of State (Home Office)
The November 2025 Asylum Policy Statement set out plans to restore order and increase public confidence in the integrity of the asylum system. The reforms aim to balance increased control over those entering the UK by irregular means with successful integration for those granted protection, enabling people to contribute positively to society. Integration brings significant benefits for individuals, taxpayers, and communities.
Under Core Protection, protection will be granted for the duration of need, lasting only until a refugee can safely return home. We have started to implement these changes. Adults and accompanied children claiming asylum from 2 March 2026 will receive a 30-month period of protection, if granted. This change marks the start of introducing a new regime for those seeking protection in the UK.
Individuals will need to apply to renew their status every 30 months. Before their permission to stay expires, an individual must lodge the relevant application to renew their permission to stay under the Immigration Rules in place at the relevant time to continue to receive their associated entitlements of right to work and access to public funds. The HO will also assess whether an individual’s protection needs are ongoing for example, if there has been a significant and durable change in the country situation. At a 30-month review, refugees with a continuing need of sanctuary will have their protection renewed, while those who no longer have a protection need will be expected to return home.
The approach to reviewing status will be efficient and targeted; we will reassess where country conditions or personal circumstances have changed significantly. We will build on the efficiencies that have already seen record levels of initial decisions being made. We will continue to monitor staffing levels and will deploy our workforce flexibly subject to business needs as we have done in the past.
We do not want people to remain on Core Protection for the long term, and only those who do remain on Core Protection will have their protection needs regularly reviewed. We will encourage refugees to switch out of the Core Protection route wherever possible into the new, Protection, Work and Study route, as part of the “core protection model”.
This new route will be created as an alternative to Core Protection for those who can contribute through work or study - directing people back into a controlled migration system, that they have otherwise stepped around. This is fairer and will contribute to better social cohesion. We want to encourage as many refugees as possible to switch from Core Protection into this new Protection, Work and Study route. That is why there is no limit to the number of refugees who can switch into this route and unlock additional entitlements, such as a shorter route to settlement and ability to sponsor family members, and to integrate more fully into the communities providing them sanctuary.
Those on the Protection, Work and Study Route will not undergo a safe, return review every 30 months as under Core Protection, provided that they continue in employment or education and successfully renew their leave on that basis. We will set out the rules of these routes in due course.
The Home Office is committed to changing the way we deliver our protection offer. We will continue to monitor the impact of this policy as it is developed and implemented. As with all significant policy changes, the proposals will be subject to impact assessments which will include considering the impact on integration and ensuring value for money. Equalities considerations are at the front and centre of our work. As required through the Public Sector Equality Duty, Home Office officials consider equality impacts throughout the policy development process, and the impact that asylum reforms will have on those with protected characteristics, is no exception.
The asylum and protection measures in the Bill, are just one aspect of wider reforms to transform the asylum system. The impact assessment will be completed once the whole model is fully designed. We are committed to ensuring that proposals are considered carefully, so that they support creation of a system which is both fair and sustainable.
Further details will be set out in future Immigration Rules changes.
Asked by: Lord Goodman of Wycombe (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask His Majesty's Government, with reference to the command paper Protecting What Matters published on 9 March 2026, which local authorities and grassroots organisations will obtain up to £5 million over financial year 2026–27 to deliver targeted cohesion and integration initiatives through the Common Ground Resilience Fund.
Answered by Baroness Blake of Leeds - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)
The Common Ground Resilience Fund 2026-27 will support a range of activity to strengthen social cohesion, build resilience and respond to community tensions. This includes funding for locally led interventions in Blackpool Council, Nottingham City Council and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, and support for local authorities through the Government's Areas Team.
Up to ÂŁ2.5 million will also be awarded through the Common Ground Award, a competitive grant scheme for voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations working to strengthen social cohesion and build connections between communities. Successful organisations will be identified through the competition process. Funding is also available to support local areas in responding to emerging cohesion risks and threats.
Separately, the Government has made available an additional ÂŁ1 million through the Common Ground Resilience Fund to support communities and places facing the greatest risk of antisemitism.
Asked by: James Naish (Labour - Rushcliffe)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment he has made of the compatibility of IT systems used by primary care providers with the NHS App and systems used in secondary care; and what steps his Department is taking to improve interoperability between these systems.
Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The NHS App is able to integrate with all general practice core clinical systems, most online consultation solutions, and the majority of patient messaging platforms. It is also integrated with all but two acute trusts, all specialist trusts, and several mental health and community trust solutions for appointment management. As part of delivering the 10-Year Health Plan, NHS England is reviewing the standards and capabilities required across primary and secondary care digital solutions to support more joined-up care through the NHS App as a single point of access.
NHS England has launched a Digital Pathways Registry, which will raise the baseline standards expected of digital solutions in primary care. This includes strengthened requirements for interoperability, common data standards, and integration with national services such as the NHS App, supporting a more consistent and connected digital experience for patients and professionals.
Asked by: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, in what way the NHS is supporting patients with hidradenitis suppurativa.
Answered by James Frith - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)
The National Health Service supports patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) through a multi-layered approach that combines community-based primary care, specialist dermatological treatments, and targeted mental health integration. Because HS is a painful, chronic, inflammatory skin condition, the NHS focuses on reducing the frequency of flare-ups, managing wounds, and addressing severe impact on quality of life.
The Getting it Right First Time dermatology programme supports patients with HS by working with NHS trusts to improve patient pathways, reduce unnecessary appointments, share best practice, and make better use of technology. This work is intended to improve access, reduce waiting times, and ensure specialist dermatology capacity is available for patients with complex conditions, including HS.
Asked by: Helen Morgan (Liberal Democrat - North Shropshire)
Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:
To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment she has made of the contribution of Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocates (MNISAs).
Answered by Alison McGovern - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)
An independent evaluation of the Maternity and Neonatal Independent Senior Advocates pilot delivered across 16 integrated care boards was conducted from October 2024 to June 2025 by the National Institute for Health and Care Research’s Rapid Service Evaluation Team. It found clear value, including ensuring that families’ concerns contribute to service improvement. It also identified uncertainty regarding scale, delivery model, and cost-effectiveness of the service, alongside the need for better integration in existing maternity and neonatal systems.
My Rt Hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, is chairing the National Maternity and Neonatal Taskforce to develop a national action plan to reform maternity and neonatal services. It will consider improvements to investigations and reviews, ensuring families get the support they need during these difficult times.
Asked by: Shivani Raja (Conservative - Leicester East)
Question to the Home Office:
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment her Department has made of the potential impact of foreign-language public messaging by police forces on local community integration and social cohesion.
Answered by Sarah Jones - Minister of State (Home Office)
Provision of interpreters and translation and language services, including via social media, are matters for Chief Constables and directly elected Police and Crime Commissioners, or equivalents. They are best placed to make these decisions based on their assessment of operational and community requirements, and available resource.
Asked by: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)
Question to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government:
To ask the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, what funding has been allocated to support community cohesion programmes.
Answered by Florence Eshalomi - Minister of State (Housing, Communities and Local Government)
Through Protecting What Matters, the government has set out initial steps to build more confident, cohesive and resilient communities.
This includes up to ÂŁ5 million in 2026/27 for the Common Ground Resilience Fund to deliver targeted cohesion and integration interventions, alongside a ÂŁ1 million expansion of the Common Ground programme to provide additional support for communities facing the greatest risk of antisemitism.
The government has also announced over ÂŁ5 billion through its Pride in Place strategy, including ÂŁ800 million over ten years for a further 40 areas where social cohesion is under pressure, enabling residents to shape local priorities and shared visions for their places.
Additional measures include ÂŁ1.5 billion for cultural organisations, recognising their role in bringing communities together and restoring pride in place, ÂŁ500,000 for community-led school linking projects that help young people from different backgrounds build relationships and understanding, and measures in the Local Media Action Plan, including a ÂŁ6 million Local News Fund and an increase in Community Radio funding to ÂŁ1 million per year, to support trusted local media and strengthen community connections and trust.