PARLIAMENTARY WRITTEN QUESTION
Refugees: Resettlement (6 July 2021)

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans she has to introduce targets for resettling refugees under the new global UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) that will commence on completion of the Vulnerable Persons and Vulnerable Children’s Resettlement Schemes, announced in March 2021.

Asked by:
Marsha De Cordova (Labour)

The UK Resettlement Scheme (UKRS) commenced in March 2021 following the successful completion of the Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme through which 20,000 refugees fleeing the conflict in Syria were given sanctuary in the UK. Through the UKRS we continue to welcome vulnerable refugees in need of protection to the UK.

The number of refugees we resettle every year will depend on a variety of factors including local authorities’ capacity for supporting those we resettle and the extent to which Community Sponsorship continues to thrive. This year, the recovery across Government from the pandemic will be a significant factor affecting capacity, along with levels of illegal immigration. We are working closely with our partners to assess the capacity for resettlement in the months ahead and will continue to welcome those in need in the years to come.

Answered by:
Chris Philp (Conservative)
12 July 2021