British Red Cross statement on asylum backlog figures from the Home Office and Office of National Statistics

Responding to new figures on the asylum backlog from the Home Office and Office of National Statistics, Christina Marriott, Executive Director of Strategy and Communications for British Red Cross, said:

“The striking figure released today is the 172,758 men, women and children stuck in the asylum backlog, waiting many months if not years for a decision on their claim. 

“Leaving people in limbo like this, unable to work, separated from family and uncertain about their future, is costly to people’s physical and mental health and the taxpayer. Processing claims more quickly would help people settle into communities, start work and get on with their lives.”

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About the British Red Cross

For over 150 years, the British Red Cross has helped people in crisis, whoever and wherever they are. With millions of volunteers in over 190 countries, the British Red Cross is part of an international humanitarian Movement that’s there for people before, during and after a crisis. Together, we are the world’s emergency responders. www.redcross.org.uk