Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what recent discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on using the medical experience and qualifications of people who are waiting for a decision on their asylum application during the covid-19 outbreak; and if she will make a statement.

Asylum seekers with medical experience and qualifications, who have been waiting for a decision on their claim for 12 months or more, can already apply to work for the NHS in the range of medical professions on the Shortage Occupation List.