The government announces a major asylum appeals overhaul. This new plan aims to drastically reduce processing delays. Consequently, it seeks to stop housing migrants in expensive hotels. Home Secretary Yvette Cooper is leading this initiative. She promises practical steps to fix unacceptable hold-ups.
Currently, the asylum system faces a massive backlog. The ongoing overhaul of asylum appeals may help reduce this, as 51,000 appeals are still awaiting a decision. The average wait time now exceeds one year. During this lengthy process, taxpayers cover accommodation costs. Specifically, 32,000 asylum seekers currently live in hotels.
In response, the government will establish a new body. This panel will feature independent adjudicators. Ministers believe this group will act more swiftly than courts. However, they will provide more detailed plans in the autumn.
Opposition groups are criticizing the approach. The Conservatives describe the system as chaotic. Meanwhile, Reform UK advocates for mass deportations. Conversely, refugee advocates highlight a different problem. Imran Hussain of the Refugee Council agrees on reducing appeals. Nevertheless, he argues for correct initial decisions. He notes that half of all appeals overturn flawed rulings. Thus, getting it right first time is crucial to improve the asylum appeals process.
Public frustration is also mounting visibly. Recent weekends saw protests across the UK. Demonstrations occurred in multiple cities including Bristol and Liverpool. Counter-protests also happened, leading to several arrests. Community tension focuses on hotel use for asylum seekers. A recent High Court case even blocked one hotel’s use during the asylum appeals overhaul. The government is now appealing that ruling.
This proposed asylum appeals overhaul is a central part of the government’s strategy. Ultimately, the goal is to clear the backlog and end hotel reliance. The success of this overhaul remains the critical question for many.
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