The Deputy Leader of the House of Lords (Lord Collins of Highbury) (Lab)
My Lords, I am extremely grateful to the right reverend Prelate for initiating this timely debate. Let me reassure her that the Written Ministerial Statement announcing two of the three new safe and legal routes was laid about an hour and a half ago, and I am hoping that, as I speak, it will be published, so it is extremely timely. Two of the three safe and legal routes will have applications open to become lead sponsors: the named community sponsorship and the refugee study routes. This is an important step demonstrating the UK’s commitment, as noble Lords have said, to playing a part in the international protection system.
The noble Lord, Lord Davies, has heard me make the point in earlier debates, but the Home Secretary said in her conference speech this year that our purpose
“is to create that fairness. In our immigration system … And, in doing so, to hold this country together. At a time when others seek to divide us”.
In the Restoring Order and Control statement of November 2025, the Home Secretary announced the development of three new safe and legal routes to offer sanctuary to those genuinely fleeing war and persecution: a named community sponsorship route, a refugee study route and a refugee work route. These new routes will operate under a lead sponsor framework. UK-based charities and non-profits will be accredited as lead sponsors, supporting community groups, universities and employers to sponsor refugees.
These sponsors will identify refugees they wish to sponsor. Accredited lead sponsors will then refer cases to the Home Office for consideration. Individuals will not be able to apply directly. The UNHCR will confirm that individuals are refugees before they travel to the United Kingdom. I assure the noble Lord, Lord Davies, that all individuals will be subject to the necessary security and identity checks by the UK Government. Arrivals under the named community sponsorship and refugee study routes are expected from autumn 2027 onwards. The refugee work route is expected to open in spring 2027, with the first arrivals to follow later that year.
The noble Baroness, Lady Brinton, and a couple of other noble Lords raised the question of eligibility in the application process. The guidance for lead sponsors has been published and will be available to noble Lords. The lead sponsorship framework draws on proven international experience. My noble friend Lord Khan and the right reverend Prelate referred to the Canadian experience and the figures of that scheme. The Government have worked with a range of stakeholders, including the Canadian and Australian Governments, to develop the new routes. Lead sponsors will support sponsors, enabling successful integration of arrivals and intervening where difficulties arise. Sponsors will be responsible for accommodation and integration support, helping refugees to work towards self-sufficiency. The model will lessen the burden on local authorities and ensure that routes do not strain local services.
The right reverend Prelate raised an important question about support for sponsors. The Home Office today published guidance outlining roles and responsibilities, and will ensure that there is appropriate training and support. The Home Office will also look to build a lead sponsor network to share knowledge and best practice. On anticipated numbers, as noble Lords have said, the Government expect the new routes to number in the hundreds at first, growing into the low thousands as levels of illegal migration fall. A cap will be set annually, based on the capacity and willingness of communities to welcome refugees. Participation is voluntary and arrival numbers will depend on sponsor demand and capacity.
Questions were raised, particularly by the right reverend Prelate, about that capacity. In contrast to previous resettlement schemes, the new routes are community led, meaning that communities will be able to determine who they support. We have worked with local authorities throughout the development of the new routes to ensure that local authority feedback is incorporated into the new routes.
The right reverend Prelate and my noble friend Lord Khan asked how we build societal infrastructure. The Government are committed to supporting community groups, universities and employers to play an active role in refugee sponsorship. As the new routes are implemented, we will continue to work closely with stakeholders, including through appropriate training and support. As I said, we will look to develop a lead sponsorship network to share knowledge and good practice. I assure the right reverend Prelate that the Government will put in place training to deliver the lead sponsor role.
I also pay tribute to the noble Baroness, Lady Monckton, who is an example to us all. I wish we could all play the role that she has played. The United Kingdom is absolutely united, and the Government of the United Kingdom are determined and steadfast in their commitment to Ukraine and its people. What she described was incredibly moving. The Homes for Ukraine scheme has evolved from an initial emergency response into a more established programme. Nobody expected this war to continue for as long as it has. That is why the Government are making changes to funding to ensure that the scheme remains sustainable for much longer than we had originally thought, so that we can continue to support those fleeing the war in Ukraine.
The Homes for Ukraine per person tariff will decrease from £5,900 to £3,300 for claims made after 1 January 2027 to ensure that this funding remains affordable. Thank you payments will be reimbursed at £100 per month per household, again reflecting a sustainable level of support while continuing to recognise the generosity of sponsors and hosts. I know that will not satisfy the noble Baroness, but I believe we have to show that we are totally committed to Ukraine and the people of Ukraine.
I will just pick up a point made by the noble Lord, Lord Davies, and others. As part of the fundamental change to the UK’s protection offer, the annual cap will be set following engagement with local authorities, mayors, and other partners, and existing community sponsor groups. The methodology will consider community capacity—that is an important part of this scheme—and, of course, sponsors’ willingness to support integration.
I could respond to the noble Lord, Lord Davies, and talk about the boats. Our programme on immigration is to ensure fairness. We have recently ensured a reduction in the boat people, not just by the arrests of the gangs that are doing it, although that is really important, but by our collaboration with France, which is also ensuring results. As I think noble Lords have said, we are absolutely committed to retaining the values that the noble Baroness, Lady Monckton, referred to. We are a country that has acknowledged the need of refugees to come to this country, and we are proud of it. Many people in this Chamber are descendants of refugees, and we should not forget that.
Throughout our history we have offered sanctuary to those in genuine need of protection. The new routes will ensure we continue to do so, drawing on the generosity, expertise and commitment of communities across the country while maintaining public confidence in the immigration system—that is really important. I hope my answers have resolved the points raised. If I have not addressed a specific point, I am sure we will be able to write to noble Lords and cover it.