Question to the Home Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what steps she is taking to encourage countries with the highest numbers of asylum seekers to accept the return of failed applicants.

Strengthening international cooperation is key to improving returns and redocumentation processes to enable quick, safe, and dignified returns.

The Home Office, working in collaboration with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, has prioritised engagement with countries where we want to see improved returns co-operation including those countries with high rates of those with no legal basis to remain in the UK.

There are some countries, including those with high small-boat arrivals, that have challenging country situations that either prevent the practicalities of return (routing and escorting) or have credible asylum and protection considerations. However, the Home Office, continues to progress returns of all those with no legal right to be in the UK.

The Home Office keeps the returns cooperation of all its international partners under close and regular review and will not hesitate to take action to secure cooperation. This includes the use of visa penalties, where necessary, when a country fails to cooperate.