"I'll believe it when I see it" - Jardine on Home Office Backlog

Edinburgh West MP Christine Jardine has urged the UK Government to “get a grip” over the growing backlog of asylum applications at the Home Office. 

By the end of June, the number of people awaiting an initial decision on their asylum application had reached 175,000, the highest number since records began. 

In response, the Immigration Minister said the Government has “streamlined processes”, and says the overall backlog fell in July. 

He also pledged the UK Government will clear the backlog of asylum applications by the end of the year.  

Responding to this pledge, Christine said: 

“I’ll believe it when I see it. 

“The Home Office must get a grip on this situation. Vulnerable people are being left in limbo as the Government refuses to fund safe and legal routes for asylum seekers, and increase the numbers of staff we need to process claims. 

“The slow progress we have seen is too little, too late for many people who have struggled to get urgent decisions, visa approvals or accommodation, leaving them in the system for months. 

“I will hold them to this pledge on behalf of all of my constituents who have faced these unacceptable delays.”