To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, during the COVID-19 pandemic, they will suspend
the return of refugees arriving on UK territory to northern France.
<p>The UK does not return those refugees who have been granted refugee status in the
UK to France or elsewhere. We do, however, return asylum seekers who are yet to have
a decision on their asylum claim in the UK to ensure their claim is considered in
the right place. This may be to France or other states who participate in the Dublin
Regulation.</p><p>During the Covid-19 pandemic, we continue to comply with the Dublin
Regulation and remain committed to ensuring transfers continue to and from the UK.
This is a fast-changing situation and we, along with other countries across Europe,
will be subject to wider Government decisions and travel restrictions.</p>
To ask Her Majesty's Government what measures they are taking, during the COVID-19
pandemic, to ensure that refugees at the UK-France border belonging to at-risk groups, including
(1) victims of trafficking, (2) unaccompanied minors, (3) LGBTQ+ persons, (4) people
with disabilities, and (5) victims of physical, mental or sexual abuse, can access
the necessary protections.
<p>The identification and relocation of vulnerable migrants on French territory remains
the domestic responsibility of the French government, who are currently working to
transfer those residing in camps into reception centres. At these centres, asylum
claims can be lodged and any other welfare needs assessed. Since the start of the
Covid-19 lockdown in France, over 600 migrants have been moved to accommodation centres
to aid with social distancing measures. Within these centres, individuals are provided
with medical and administrative support.</p><p>The UK is also committed to meeting
our obligations to transfer unaccompanied children to the UK where they have eligible
family here and where transfer is in their best interests under the Dublin Regulation.
An unaccompanied child must first claim asylum in the EU Member State in which they
are present, and the Member State must then raise a Take Charge Request with the UK
Government.</p><p>Additionally, specialist trained officers are present at all of
our Juxtaposed controls, who assist in supporting those identified as vulnerable.
We work closely with both French and Belgian partners to ensure that these individuals
receive the support they need. All officers receive regular training on safeguarding
and when to seek support from a specialist trained officer. Special arrangements are
in place at the Juxtaposed controls to refer cases with vulnerability elements to
the French and Belgian Police.</p>
To ask Her Majesty's Government whether the use of administrative immigration detention
in the UK’s short-term holding facilities in northern France will be discontinued
for the duration of the COVID-19 crisis.
<p>Short term holding rooms in Northern France are still in operation. High-risk individuals
displaying symptoms of COVID-19 are referred to the French authorities in the first
instance. All Border Force staff continue to adhere to Public Health England guidance
to ensure we follow the latest scientific advice and seek specific guidance for our
frontline operations.</p>
To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the conditions,
and treatment of asylum-seekers, in Urban House in Wakefield, following reports that
individuals displaying COVID-19 symptoms have been forced to share rooms with others
there.
<p>We’ve conducted a thorough assessment of Urban House with local health partners
and have put in place steps in accordance with all of their recommendations. These
steps include staggering meal times, increasing staff numbers, providing information
and guidance in a variety of languages, stopping all new arrivals into Urban House.</p><p>Although
room sharing is in place, no one is forced to share rooms with anyone displaying COVID
19 symptoms. Those with underlying health conditions and people over 70 years of age
should also be moved to the appropriate hotel accommodation following PHE guidance</p>
To ask Her Majesty's Government how many asylum-seekers in housing provided by the
Government or local authorities, including through private contractors, are still
in shared rooms of two or more people.
<p>We do not hold he information requested. However, although room sharing is in place,
no one is forced to share rooms with anyone displaying COVID 19 symptoms.</p><p>PHE
Guidance recommends that separate rooms should be provided for symptomatic people,
or they should be moved to hotels. Those with underlying health conditions and people
over 70 years of age should also be moved to the appropriate hotel accommodation following
PHE guidance, unless individuals do not wish to be moved. We are reviewing each case
on an individual basis and continue to work with our providers to ensure the guidance
is followed.</p>