(Middlesbrough South and
East Cleveland) (Lab): Can we have a debate on property
acquired by companies such as G4S in relation to the dispersal of
asylum seekers? In my constituency an independent councillor,
Mary Lanigan, has used that as an opportunity to spread hatred
and to divide the community along the lines of race and religion
by repeatedly using inaccurate phrases such as “illegal asylum
seeker”. Her contact details have even appeared on an abusive
letter that has been circulated to residents to whip up certain
emotions, for obvious reasons. Can we have a debate on G4S
properties and on the councillors’ code of conduct in relation to
the properties being dispersed among communities?
Mr Lidington: This country has a proud history
of granting asylum to people who need our protection. We are
committed to providing safe and secure accommodation while
applications from individuals are being considered. We are clear
that asylum seekers should be accommodated only in properties
that are both decent and safe. Home Office Ministers work closely
with their contractors to ensure that those standards are met.
Where a contractor falls short, we work with them to try to sort
those issues out as rapidly as possible. If the hon. Gentleman
would like to let me have details, I will pass them to the Home
Secretary.
