Recommendations & Conclusions
8 items
2
Conclusion
First Report - Channel crossings, migra…
Rejected
While we agree with the Home Secretary that the asylum system is broken, we invite her to make it clear, given the long-term and growing pressures on the system, that it was not migrants crossing the Channel who broke it.
Government response. The government did not accept the recommendation, instead reiterating that the high number of migrants making illegal and dangerous journeys across the Channel places intense pressure on and increases costs within the asylum system.
Home Office
3
Conclusion
First Report - Channel crossings, migra…
Rejected
Addressing the asylum ‘work in progress’ caseload must be the Department’s highest priority within asylum operations. Doing that would unlock substantial resources, reduce current pressures on contingency and institutional accommodation and enable wider system reform including communities’ capacity to welcome—even sponsor— refugees.
Government response. The government explicitly rejected making the asylum caseload its highest priority, stating its primary focus is to deter and reduce illegal migration, while simultaneously working to speed up decision-making and reduce caseloads through various ongoing measures.
Home Office
8
Conclusion
First Report - Channel crossings, migra…
Rejected
We therefore recommend that the Government enter into discussion with the French Government on providing UK asylum assessment facilities within France, enabling juxtaposed consideration of claims in the same way that juxtaposed checks of passports and customs are carried out for Eurostar and Eurotunnel crossings or for ferries to and …
Government response. The government rejected the recommendation to discuss providing UK asylum assessment facilities in France, stating it could not consider claims from large numbers overseas and that those needing protection should claim asylum in the first safe country they reach.
Home Office
13
Recommendation
First Report - Channel crossings, migra…
Rejected
There is a worrying trend in Home Office policy announcements being made before detailed policy has been worked through, tested and even agreed between Government Departments, as exemplified by early announcement both of military control of channel operations and the Migration and Economic Development Partnership with Rwanda. We recommend that …
Government response. The government rejects the recommendation, stating that policy announcements related to channel crossings are made following extensive inter-departmental discussions and agreements, contrary to the committee's suggestion.
Home Office
22
Recommendation
First Report - Channel crossings, migra…
Rejected
The Government should work with the French authorities to consider the feasibility of a programme of investment in trained child protection workers to work with vulnerable child migrants along the French coast. In line with our own previous recommendation from 2018, the Government should ensure that provision is made for …
Government response. The government does not accept the recommendation to restore pre-EU exit family reunion rights for unaccompanied minors, stating its 'single global approach' is fairer and does not encourage dangerous journeys. It also largely deflects responsibility to France for investing in …
Home Office
27
Conclusion
First Report - Channel crossings, migra…
Rejected
We have recommended that the Government commission an independent review of children’s experiences of the asylum system. This review should include examination of the support needs for young asylum seekers, including failed asylum seekers, and refugees up to the age of 25 and should assess the cost of providing those …
Government response. The government has no current plans to mandate the use of independent Youth Welfare Officers in England by local authorities, stating that social workers are best placed to provide support, and broadly refers to existing commitments regarding asylum seeker welfare.
Home Office
28
Recommendation
First Report - Channel crossings, migra…
Rejected
Every young asylum seeker should be provided with a trusted and independent adult who is qualified to support their interactions with immigration and asylum processes and who can where appropriate help them to settle in the UK. We welcome the provisions already available in Northern Ireland and Scotland, and pilot …
Government response. The government states there is 'no intention to expand the scope' of the Independent Child Trafficking Guardian (ICTG) service to include all young asylum-seeking children in England and Wales, citing its specialist nature, while outlining existing support for UASC.
Home Office
33
Conclusion
First Report - Channel crossings, migra…
Rejected
We recognise that this crisis has been building over many years. But this Government’s response, characterised first by inattention and then by poor decision-making, has exacerbated these problems and undermined public confidence in the asylum system and in the management of the border. The issue has not been helped by …
Government response. The government rejected the committee's criticism of inattention and poor decision-making, asserting that it has been actively pursuing bilateral/multilateral solutions and has comprehensive monitoring in place for its multi-faceted approach to illegal migration, including existing safe and legal routes.
Home Office