Rishi Sunak, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, is facing scrutiny from the UK Statistics Authority over his claim that the government has successfully cleared a “legacy” backlog of asylum applications.
The investigation comes in the wake of allegations that this assertion is a “barefaced lie.” While the government has proudly announced the apparent resolution of the backlog issue, recent figures reveal a stark contrast, prompting questions about the accuracy of the information provided.
According to The Mirror, Contrary to the government’s statements, Home Office figures indicate that more than 4,500 asylum applications made before June 28 of the previous year are still awaiting an initial decision. This revelation raises concerns about the credibility of the claim that the backlog has been effectively addressed. The UK Statistics Authority, through its regulatory arm, the Office for Statistics Regulation (OSR), has now initiated an investigation into the accuracy of the government’s announcement.
Despite assertions from government officials, the backlog of asylum applications remains a significant challenge. As of the end of 2023, nearly 100,000 asylum seekers are still awaiting an initial decision, marking a staggering 16-fold increase since the Conservative government assumed power. The backlog grew from 91,076 in November to a whopping 98,599 by the end of 2023, contradicting the narrative of successful resolution put forth by the government.
In addition to Rishi Sunak, Home Secretary James Cleverly is facing uncomfortable questions regarding the disappearance of over 17,000 individuals who withdrew their asylum applications.
The lack of information about the whereabouts of these individuals has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the asylum system and the government’s ability to track and manage cases. Cleverly’s commitment to “go looking for them” brings into focus the challenges faced by immigration officials in ensuring a transparent and accountable process.
The opposition, particularly Labour’s shadow immigration minister Stephen Kinnock, has been quick to criticize the government’s handling of the asylum backlog.
Kinnock labeled Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s assertion that the backlog had been cleared as a “barefaced lie” and an “insult to the public’s intelligence.” The discrepancy between official statements and the actual numbers has fueled skepticism about the government’s transparency and commitment to addressing critical issues in the immigration system.
This is not the first time the UK Statistics Authority has cast doubt on government claims. Previously, the chairman of the authority, Sir Robert Chote, challenged Rishi Sunak’s assertions regarding the reduction of public debt. This pattern raises questions about the accuracy of the government’s public statements and the need for robust fact-checking mechanisms to ensure accountability.
