RAMP Principal, the Lord Bishop of Chelmsford, tabled an oral question on the Government’s assessment of annual refugee resettlement numbers through community sponsorship and the steps being taken to ensure sponsors receive adequate resources and support. In her speech, she argued that community sponsorship offers a safe, controlled and compassionate approach to refugee resettlement, enabling local communities to take direct responsibility for welcoming refugees, securing accommodation and supporting their integration into society.
Bishop Guli welcomed the Government’s commitment to reopening the scheme but called for greater ambition, flexibility and expansion, driven by communities’ willingness to participate rather than arbitrary limits. She urged the Government to work closely with charities, faith groups and local authorities, providing adequate funding, training and practical support to ensure the scheme is sustainable, accessible and capable of responding to future humanitarian crises.
RAMP Associate Lord German (Lib Dem) also contributed to the debate, welcoming the Government’s new community sponsorship scheme as a positive step towards expanding safe and legal routes for refugees, supporting integration and reducing dangerous irregular crossings. However, he questioned the scheme’s ambition, arguing that the proposed resettlement numbers are too low to make a meaningful difference. He also expressed concern about placing additional financial and practical responsibilities on volunteers, charities and faith groups without adequate government support, particularly in the context of the ongoing housing crisis. Lord German further highlighted concerns about reductions in refugee settlement rights and warned that prioritising employment and education pathways could leave some of the most vulnerable refugees without access to protection.
Other Peers taking part in the debate raised concerns about funding, support for sponsors and the need to expand safe and legal routes. Lord Khan (Lab) called for greater ambition and simpler application processes, while Baroness Monckton (Con) highlighted cuts to financial support for Homes for Ukraine hosts. Baroness Brinton (Lib Dem) emphasised pressures on local authorities and the need for clearer guidance, faster visa processing and specialist support for sponsors.
In response, Lord Collins, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Home Office, confirmed the opening of applications for lead sponsors under the new community sponsorship and refugee study routes, with arrivals expected from autumn 2027. The refugee work route is expected to open in spring 2027. He outlined plans for accredited lead sponsors to support community groups, universities and employers, alongside government guidance, training and a network to share best practice. He confirmed that arrivals would initially number in the hundreds, rising to the low thousands, with annual caps informed by community capacity and consultation with local authorities and sponsors. He also defended reductions in Homes for Ukraine funding as necessary to ensure the scheme’s long-term sustainability.