The Government supports the swift processing of asylum claims made in Calais. However for migrants, including children, to be processed under the Dublin Regulation they must first claim asylum in France. The Government has been clear that it will consider any request made by the French asylum authorities to take responsibility for an asylum applicant in France because they have close family in the UK.
To ensure that the provisions of the Dublin Regulation are used efficiently and effectively in both countries, a joint contact group has been established in line with the commitment in the Joint Declaration published in August 2015. The UK has held regular discussions with French Interior Ministry colleagues, including visits to Calais and Dunkirk to examine the processes and the information made available to migrants
The management of the camp, both in terms of humanitarian aspects and maintaining law and order, is the responsibility of the French Government, the UK has committed to providing £3.6 million per year for two years to help provide support and facilities elsewhere in France. This is so that migrants can be helped to enter the French asylum system in a safe, systematic and humane manner.
We are working closely with the French authorities to safeguard the welfare of unaccompanied children ahead of any camp clearance.
Since 2012, we have given asylum or protection to over 5,200 Syrian refugees. We have made clear that we will continue to prioritise the resettling of unaccompanied children under the Immigration Act, and ensure those with links to the UK are brought here when it is in their best interests.
We remain committed to upholding our humanitarian responsibilities and will continue to work with the French Government and partner organisations to speed up this process so that we are able to protect the most vulnerable.
By Patrick McLoughlin on October 20, 2016