James Cleverly Affirms Resolution of Backlog in Older Asylum Cases
Home Secretary James Cleverly has defended the government's assertion of handling the legacy asylum case backlog, despite evidence of unresolved cases.
Refuting claims to the contrary, he stresses that all applications submitted before the 2022 asylum law amendments have been processed, fulfilling Rishi Sunak's pledge to eradicate the backlog by year-end. Despite processing claims, 4,500 complex cases remain, some with security issues.
Recent statistics reveal a total of 99,000 cases in the asylum backlog, a decrease from the previous year's 136,000. Cleverly attributes this reduction to a tenfold increase in processing speed.
Yet, the new post-June 2022 backlog has grown to over 94,000 cases, surpassing the prior count. The timeline for resolving these remains unclear, but the government claims improvements through added staff, streamlined processes, and accountability.
Critics, including Labour's Yvette Cooper and Refugee Council's CEO Enver Solomon, accuse the government of misleading the public and losing track of individuals after removing them from the system.
The Home Office's data shows progress with over 112,000 processed cases in the past year, but with many having non-final decisions.
The administration cites cost savings from these efforts, emphasizing the 4,500 reviewed but not resolved complex cases. Additionally, the government has outlined priorities, including reducing migrant Channel crossings, which have reportedly dropped by 36% in the year.
Despite targeting an end to small boat crossings by 2024, Downing Street has not committed to a time frame, focusing on passing legislation to facilitate asylum seeker transfers to Rwanda.
Recent statistics reveal a total of 99,000 cases in the asylum backlog, a decrease from the previous year's 136,000. Cleverly attributes this reduction to a tenfold increase in processing speed.
Yet, the new post-June 2022 backlog has grown to over 94,000 cases, surpassing the prior count. The timeline for resolving these remains unclear, but the government claims improvements through added staff, streamlined processes, and accountability.
Critics, including Labour's Yvette Cooper and Refugee Council's CEO Enver Solomon, accuse the government of misleading the public and losing track of individuals after removing them from the system.
The Home Office's data shows progress with over 112,000 processed cases in the past year, but with many having non-final decisions.
The administration cites cost savings from these efforts, emphasizing the 4,500 reviewed but not resolved complex cases. Additionally, the government has outlined priorities, including reducing migrant Channel crossings, which have reportedly dropped by 36% in the year.
Despite targeting an end to small boat crossings by 2024, Downing Street has not committed to a time frame, focusing on passing legislation to facilitate asylum seeker transfers to Rwanda.
