Migration Ministers plan to fast-track removal of asylum seekers from 'safe' countries

A new law to fast-track the removal of asylum seekers who arrive from countries deemed to be safe is being drawn up by ministers, prompting concerns that thousands of claimants may not get a fair hearing.

- Rajeev Syal Diane Taylor

Yvette Cooper, the home secretary, yesterday said she would legislate to speed up the processing, appeals and deportation of those "who should not be sitting in the asylum system for a long time".

The disclosure came as a Home Office report claimed the record numbers of people arriving via small boats could be attributed to favourable weather and greater numbers being crammed into vessels.

Amid pressure on the government to cut the numbers waiting for asylum decisions, Cooper told the Commons home affairs committee: "One of the things I have always been keen to do is to have a system of fast-track decisions and appeals.

"If people arrive from predominantly 'safe' countries, they should not be sitting in the asylum system for a long time at all. That would be a fast-track system alongside the main asylum system. That would require legislation in order to be able to do that and new system design."