Written question asked by Lord Stoddart of Swindon (Independent Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Browning (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 June 2011.

Asylum Seekers

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government why, in light of their policy of not opting in to the European Union common asylum policy, they intend to engage with the development and functioning of the European Asylum Support Office; and what will be the nature of such engagement.

Answer: The Government are not persuaded of the need for a common EU asylum policy. We believe that by focusing its energies on unnecessary legislation, the current EU work programme misses the opportunity to take more practical steps that will help member states now with the real challenges they face on the ground. Engaging with the European Asylum Support Office (EASO) allows us to further our commitment to tangible, practical co-operation at EU level, in particular by providing technical assistance to build capability in member states that are facing particular migration pressures. Effective border and asylum systems in other member states are firmly in the UK's national interest as they deter illegal migration and asylum shopping. The UK has recently deployed a number of asylum experts to Greece as part of EASO operations and expects to send at least three more in the next few months.

Secondary information