This week, I highlighted the importance of the work of the London Borough of Hillingdon is doing to look after refugees. Furthermore, I also raised the importance of safe and legal routes to ensure those seeking safety can go through an official process rather than having to rely on Channel crossings.
I also asked the Home Secretary what further actions the Government can take to remove the grant of asylum from those whose claim is subsequently shown to have been bogus. I was pleased that the Home Secretary put on record her thanks to the London Borough of Hillingdon and her intention to reform the asylum system.
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First, may I commend the Home Secretary on her robust response to the Scottish National party? The London Borough of Hillingdon is currently buckling under the strain of looking after around 10% of all the refugees in the whole country, including large numbers who have been bussed up from Dover. Almost none of those people have a route to Scotland. Recognising the importance of safe and legal routes and the comments made by the French Foreign Minister about some of the pull factors in the UK, will my right hon. Friend consider what steps could be taken to remove the grant of asylum from those whose claim is subsequently shown to have been bogus?
I would like to put on record my thanks to the London Borough of Hillingdon and to many other local authorities across the country, although they are predominantly in London. London is feeling the pressure in terms of accommodation, hotels and housing. My hon. Friend is right in his suggestions for solutions and working together. This is exactly why we are looking to reform the system through the Nationality and Borders Bill. We have to have that differentiation.
