Last Thursday that Government published its third round of quarterly immigration stats for 2020. It showed that the number of people (main applicants and dependants) waiting over 6 months for a decision on their asylum claim rose for the tenth consecutive quarter. Of the 60,548 people waiting for an initial decision, 46,108 have done so for over six months: that’s 76%.

If we count just main applicants, the percentage is 75% (36,093 out of 48,054 people). This is the highest number and proportion of people waiting more than six months for an initial decision since public records began. In response, #LiftTheBan coalition issued a press statement and secured coverage in HuffPost.

Stephen Hale of Refugee Action said “Forcing people to live in limbo on a measly allowance of just £5.66 a day for sometimes years on end can take a horrendous toll on their mental health.”