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Government Responds to House of Lords Concerns over Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Government has responded to the House of Lords Constitution Committee's report on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which raised concerns over the feasibility and impact of introducing statutory timelines for asylum and immigration appeals. The Government has emphasized that the introduction of a 24-week statutory timeline for certain asylum and deportation appeals will not undermine the Tribunal's duty to deal with cases fairly and justly, but rather aims to improve efficiency and reduce the average delay of around 50 weeks for Tribunal appeals. The response also highlighted the Government's commitment to ensuring appeals brought by foreign criminals are swiftly concluded, as it is in the public interest for them to be deported if their appeal fails.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Government has responded to the House of Lords Constitution Committee's report on the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, addressing concerns over the feasibility and impact of introducing statutory timelines for asylum and immigration appeals.
  • The Bill proposes to introduce a 24-week statutory timeline for certain asylum and deportation appeals, aiming to reduce the average delay of around 50 weeks for Tribunal appeals.
  • The Government has emphasized that the introduction of the statutory timeline will not undermine the Tribunal's duty to deal with cases fairly and justly, but rather aims to improve efficiency and protect access to justice.
  • Lord Hanson, responding on behalf of the Government, highlighted the need for a transitional period before the statutory timeline is introduced and assured that all cases will continue to be subject to the Tribunal's overriding objectives.
  • The Government is committed to ensuring appeals brought by foreign criminals are swiftly concluded, as it is in the public interest for them to be deported if their appeal fails.
  • The introduction of the statutory timeline is expected to increase the number of supported and non-detained foreign national offender appeals disposed of by the Tribunal annually, leading to a higher rate of exits from hotels and saving the public purse.
  • The response also emphasized the Government's commitment to delivering a sustainable appeals system that is fair, efficient, and enables system savings.

Statistics:

  • The current average delay for Tribunal appeals is around 50 weeks.
  • The Government aims to introduce a 24-week statutory timeline for certain asylum and deportation appeals.
  • The Bill proposes to introduce statutory timelines for appeals brought by asylum seekers receiving accommodation support and non-detained appellants liable to deportation.

Sources:

  • Government response to House of Lords Constitution Committee's report on Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
  • [1] House of Lords Constitution Committee's June 2025 report on Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill
  • Lord Hanson's statement in response to the Committee's concerns
  • Tribunal Procedure (First-Tier Tribunal) (Immigration and Asylum Chamber) Rules 2014

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