Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the use of mental health concerns as a ground for overturning asylum and immigration decisions; and what steps they have taken, if any, to remove mental health concerns as a criterion for asylum decisions to be overturned.

When asylum and human rights applications are decided, it is necessary to consider the health of applicants, both physical and mental.

Over time, we have seen an expansion in the way human rights arguments are relied upon in some asylum and immigration cases, including those involving mental health issues. This can create barriers to the removal of individuals with no right to remain in the United Kingdom.

Through the Immigration and Asylum Bill, and in line with the Chişinău Political Declaration adopted by the Council of Europe, the Government is ensuring that human rights protections are applied as intended, with appropriate thresholds and proper weight given to the public interest.