RAMP Principals Speak at Debate on Support and Accommodation for Asylum Seekers
There was a Westminster Hall Debate yesterday evening relating to support and accommodation for asylum seekers following e-petitions 705383 and 718406. RAMP Principals Tony Vaughan KC MP, Chris Murray MP and Tim Farron MP took part.
Tony Vaughan KC MP spoke about asylum support, noting that asylum seekers in the UK are not eligible for mainstream benefits and receive £49.18 a week for basic needs, which is lower than standard welfare rates. He highlighted that removing this support could lead to increased homelessness and place additional demand on public services.
Tim Farron MP spoke about legal aid, noting that while the number of people waiting for an initial asylum decision has fallen by 18% in the past year, the number awaiting an appeal has risen by 88%. He highlighted that around half of asylum seekers lack legal representation, suggesting that better access to legal aid would help speed up the process.
In response, Tony Vaughan KC MP agreed with Tim Farron MP, saying asylum seekers need proper legal aid and that resolving claims early is more efficient and cost-effective than addressing them later in the process.
Chris Murray MP spoke about asylum accommodation contracts. He asked the Minister whether the Government will use next year’s break clause to review or end the current asylum contracts and how effectively the Home Office has managed them so far.