The below Parliamentary question was asked by Baroness Tonge on 2016-02-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what representations they have made to the government of Israel regarding the use of tear gas at Qitoun checkpoint against Palestinian children on their way to school.
Baroness Anelay of St Johns
While we have not made any representations to the Israeli authorities on this specific issue, we consistently urge Israeli contacts against the use of excessive force.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Strasburger on 2016-02-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is the timetable for the recruitment of the 1,900 additional intelligence personnel announced in November 2015, and what is being done to ensure that the salary package offered attracts sufficiently talented applicants.
Lord Bridges of Headley
1,900 additional staff across the three intelligence agencies will be recruited over the Spending Review period to 2020. Specific pay and reward details cannot be disclosed for national security reasons however pay and reward packages for staff at the intelligence agencies are under regular review to ensure that what can be offered reflects both the unique challenges the agencies face, and the high level of ability and skill required to meet them.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno on 2016-02-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what timetable is proposed to ensure that their promise to welcome 20,000 refugees by 2020 is fulfilled.
Lord Bates
The Government is working closely with local authorities, international delivery partners and the voluntary sector, putting in place the plans and structures to deliver this and ensuring the system is scaled up in a way that protects the interests of all concerned. The number resettled in a particular period will depend on a range of factors. This includes the number of referrals we have received from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the number of confirmed places we have received from local authorities that are suitable for the specific needs of those who have been accepted for resettlement. Progress on resettlement will be indicated in quarterly immigration statistics – the last set were published in February 2016 and showed 1,085 people resettled between October and December 2015.
The Government remains on track to resettle 20,000 refugees by the end of the Parliament.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno on 2016-02-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what proportion of the 20,000 refugees promised to be accepted in the UK will have arrived by May.
Lord Bates
The Government is working closely with local authorities, international delivery partners and the voluntary sector, putting in place the plans and structures to deliver this and ensuring the system is scaled up in a way that protects the interests of all concerned. The number resettled in a particular period will depend on a range of factors. This includes the number of referrals we have received from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and the number of confirmed places we have received from local authorities that are suitable for the specific needs of those who have been accepted for resettlement. Progress on resettlement will be indicated in quarterly immigration statistics – the last set were published in February 2016 and showed 1,085 people resettled between October and December 2015.
The Government remains on track to resettle 20,000 refugees by the end of the Parliament.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno on 2016-02-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what aid has been given to Greece to assist that country in supporting migrants and refugees.
Baroness Verma
Since the start of the Mediterranean migration crisis, the Department for International Development has provided £55 million in response, including over £19 million in Greece. Assistance through the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and non-governmental organisations has provided life-saving aid to migrants and refugees to support reception, protection, accommodation, and meet basic needs. We are monitoring the situation closely. We stand ready to meet additional priority needs and are sending a team to Greece to assess the situation.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno on 2016-02-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government how many asylum applications by those aged 18 to 25 have been overturned on appeal in the past five years.
Lord Bates
The table provided gives annual figures for the number of appeals allowed from applicants aged between 18 and 25 at the time of applying for asylum. This is a subset of published data.
Asylum appeals allowed, for applicants aged 18 to 25 at the time of asylum application, 2011 to 2015
|
Year |
Appeals allowed, age 18 to 25 (1) |
|
2011 |
804 |
|
2012 |
622 |
|
2013 |
549 |
|
2014 |
476 |
|
2015 |
949 |
Source: Home Office, subset of published appeals allowed figures in table as_14, volume 4 of the Asylum data tables, Immigration Statistics October to December 2015
(1) Age relates to the age at initial asylum application
A copy of the latest release, Immigration Statistics October to December 2015, is available from https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/immigration-statistics-october-to-december-2015.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Roberts of Llandudno on 2016-02-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what qualifications are required for Immigration Officers who decide the success or failure of asylum applications.
Lord Bates
The Home Office does not employ Immigration Officers to assess asylum claims. Staff employed to make asylum decisions are either Executive Officers or Higher Executive Officers with a minimum educational requirement of 2 GCE A Level passes A-C and 5 GCSE passes including Mathematics and English.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by on 2016-02-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their assessment of Detective Superintendent McDonald’s description of child abuse allegations against Sir Edward Heath, Lord Bramall and Lord Brittan as credible and true”
Lord Bates
The Government is clear that allegations of child abuse should be thoroughly and properly investigated. However decisions about arrest and charge are an operational matter for the police and Crown Prosecution Service and it would be inappropriate for the Home Office to comment further.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Rennard on 2016-02-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government when they will publish details of the recommendations for potential changes to electoral legislation by Sir Eric Pickles MP.
Lord Bridges of Headley
Sir Eric Pickles will make his recommendations as soon as he is able. 66 written submissions are under consideration, as well as evidence provided in meetings with specific people and at a seminar of academics, stakeholder organisations and political parties.
The below Parliamentary question was asked by Lord Rennard on 2016-02-29.
To ask Her Majesty’s Government what is their response the Law Commissions’ recommendations to reform UK electoral law.
Lord Bridges of Headley
The Government is currently considering the recommendations made by the Law Commissions in their interim report of 4 February. This is a wide-ranging report that covers a number of complex issues and it is important that the Government give the report due consideration before a formal response is made.