RAMP Associates in Lords Debate on Asylum Seekers and Hotel Accommodation

On 25th November there was a Lord's Chamber debate on asylum seekers and hotel accommodation following an answer to an Urgent Question given in the House of Commons on Wednesday 20 November.

The debate focused on the use of hotels for asylum seekers, highlighting the strain on the asylum system and efforts to reduce reliance on temporary accommodations.

RAMP Associate Lord German suggested the government consider allowing asylum seekers who have been in the UK for over six months to work temporarily, easing accommodation pressures and enabling them to support themselves, similar to EU practices. 

In response, Lord Hanson emphasized the government’s focus on reducing asylum claims, speeding up processing, stopping small boat crossings, and exiting hotel accommodation to save taxpayer funds. He highlighted increased resources, including £75 million for border security.

In the same debate, RAMP Associate Baroness Lister referenced a stakeholder roundtable that raised concerns about children mistakenly assessed as adults and placed in hotels with adults, harming their mental health. She asked if the government is addressing these issues.

In response, Lord Hanson pledged to investigate concerns about children’s accommodation and report back, placing any findings in the House Library.