February 2021

Dear Constituent,

Thank you for contacting me about the conditions for asylum seekers at Napier and Penally Barracks and for expressing your thoughts and concerns about the current situation. 

I am assured that the Government continues to take the welfare of people in Home Office care extremely seriously and is committed to fulfilling its statutory duties to ensure decent, safe and humane conditions.

Since March, the number of people within the asylum system has risen and it has, therefore, been necessary for the Government to act quickly to source contingency accommodation to create additional capacity and ensure obligations are met in full. After looking into this, I have been reassured that those accommodated at these sites have access to appropriate medical care, are provided three meals a day, and have access to the 24/7 Migrant Help helpline to raise any issues.

Of course, I will continue to monitor the situation very closely and raise any important concerns with my ministerial colleagues whenever appropriate.

Above all, I am proud that the Government continues to provide safe and legal routes for people needing protection despite the domestic challenges we face as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. In the year ending June 2020, over 6,320 refugee family reunion visas were issued to partners and children of those previously granted asylum or humanitarian protection in the UK. The UK also continues to be one of the largest refugee resettlement states in the world, resettling around 25,000 refugees and issuing over 29,000 family reunion visas since 2015.

I was, appalled by the damage and destruction at Napier barracks. I fully support the police who took action against those who vandalised property, threatened staff and put lives at risk. I will continue to monitor this situation very carefully.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact me about this important matter.

With best wishes.

Kind regards,

Jonathan Lord MP

Member of Parliament for Woking