Labor government to create independent commission amid hotel housing crisis and mounting political pressure.
The British government is set to reform the asylum appeals system to expedite the deportation of migrants without the right to remain in the United Kingdom, reports 24brussels. Following extensive delays in processing appeals, which currently take over a year on average, the Labor government will establish a new independent commission aimed at addressing the crisis of asylum-seekers housed in hotels.
This commission, comprised of professional arbitrators, will swiftly evaluate migrants’ appeals and determine whether to uphold the Home Office’s decisions regarding asylum requests. The initiation of this body is seen as crucial to relieving the burden on the hotel housing system, exacerbated by judicial delays.
Government officials express concern that some lower court judges are interpreting the European Convention on Human Rights too broadly, particularly regarding rights related to family life. The independent commission is intended to replace these lower courts in handling asylum cases.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper acknowledged the chaotic state of the asylum system, characterized by a significant backlog and ineffective appeals process, leaving thousands of migrants in limbo for years. “That is why we are taking practical steps to rebuild the foundations and restore control and order to the system,” she stated.
Over the weekend, several cities across the UK witnessed protests related to the housing of asylum-seekers in hotels, with heightened police presence due to simultaneous demonstrations from both anti-migrant factions and anti-racism groups. In a related political move, Nigel Farage, leader of the right-wing populist Reform UK party, announced his intentions for mass deportations of migrants should his party gain power.
