An emergency powers solution is now proposed for the asylum system. The Liberal Democrats have unveiled a radical plan. They want to use historic wartime legislation immediately. This would clear the massive backlog of claims quickly. The party announced this at their annual conference.
Therefore, home affairs spokeswoman Lisa Smart explained the strategy. She called for the Civil Contingencies Act to be activated. This law gives governments sweeping temporary powers. It is typically reserved for national emergencies or wartime. The Lib Dems believe the asylum crisis qualifies.
Furthermore, their emergency powers solution involves creating special centers. They propose temporary “Nightingale processing centres” named after the pandemic hospitals. These facilities would dramatically accelerate asylum decisions. The goal is to double the number of case workers rapidly. Numbers would jump from 2,000 to 4,000 quickly.
Moreover, smart argued this approach benefits everyone involved. Asylum seekers stuck in limbo would get decisions faster. Local communities hosting emergency hotels would see relief. Taxpayers would finally save money from reduced accommodation costs. The current backlog remains substantial despite recent progress.
Therefore, the party also advocates for policy changes alongside this emergency measure. They would lift the ban on asylum seekers working. This would allow people to support themselves sooner. They also want to move people into proper housing not hotels. This forms part of a more humane system they say.
Moreover, the emergency powers solution forms part of a broader focus on law and order. The Lib Dems also want to improve police accessibility. They propose opening police desks in supermarkets and libraries. This would make reporting crime easier for communities. They argue people don’t see police often enough currently.
However, funding would come from abolishing police and crime commissioners. The party estimates this would save significant money. This same funding would also support new rural crime teams. The proposal comes as London announces further station closures.
The government aims to end hotel use by 2029 currently. The Lib Dem plan would accelerate this timeline considerably. Using emergency powers represents an unconventional approach. It shows the growing urgency surrounding the asylum backlog issue.
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