SEA-CHANGE IN UK ASYLUM PERSPECTIVE?
The introduction by the British Labour Government of draconian proposals for revising asylum policy and procedures earlier this year, triggered a wave of outrage not only among human rights organisations, but also many of Labour's MPs. However, much to the apparent chagrin of Immigration Service Officers, the Home Office appears to have substantially re-evaluated its position.
Over the months, a growing "rebellion" had developed, with the proposed levels of refugee support, the manner in which it would be delivered, and the nature of the proposed manner for processing asylum claims serving as the primary sources of criticism. The Government began to revise its thinking at the end of May, when Immigration Minister Mike O'Brien was quoted as stating, "The new Immigration and Asylum Bill (IA) currently going through Parliament will radically modernise immigration and asylum laws. It will overhaul the current slow and cumbersome system, delivering a service which will be faster in reaching decisions and firmer in dealing with abuse...to clamp down on those who abuse the UK's immigration rules..."
Almost the next day, Prime Minister Tony Blair said Britain was willing to take in 1,000 Kosovars a week, affording them temporary protection. Following this, on 8 June, Home Secretary Jack Straw sought meetings with those critical of the proposed IA, taking the opportunity to offer a number of concessions.
Of particular note in the IA was the proposal to revise asylum seeker support, putting support on a "voucher" rather than cash system, and limiting the cash received by asylum seekers to £7 a week for adults, and £3.50 for children - the total package being 70% of weekly income support figures. Secretary Straw has now revised those figures on cash to £10 for adults, and children. Further, while the package will remain the same in its overall value, it will also provide cash assistance in purchasing items such as furniture and utensils, as well as with the payment of gas and electric bills. Additionally, proposed cuts in disability benefits (which outraged many Ministers) have been reviewed, and Mr. Straw has announced the immediate hiring of 60 more staff at the Immigration and Nationality Department to address the present 70,000 case backlog; plus, further promised to speed the asylum process for families.
The family asylum process had been scheduled for acceleration in 2001, with the initial application to be decided within two months, and the appeals process within an additional four. With Straw's new proposal, this would take effect in April of 2000.
Strong reservations form the Immigration Service
Strong reservations as regards the Government's posture have been voiced on behalf of the Immigration Service - the uniformed service responsible for stopping illegal immigration. One published quote went so far as to suggest that recent developments are indicative of a Home Office move to eliminate the Immigration Service completely.
Conversely, published reports indicate senior Labour backbenchers have been hailing the Government's recent posture as a "sea-change" in its willingness to address their asylum policy reservations, although, a "wait and see" attitude exists among some Labourites as the Government's position further develops.
Sources: Observer, 25.4.99; New Statesman, 26.4.99; The Guardian, 10.5.1999; London Evening Standard, 4.5.99; The Independent, 27.5.99, 10.6.99; The Times, 9.5.99; UK Government: Asylum and Immigration statistics, M2 Presswire, 27.5.99.