I commend the work of organisations that support survivors of torture, and I firmly believe that our asylum policy must provide effective protection to those who need it. The United Kingdom has a proud record of providing these protections, and I can assure you that this UK Government is committed to upholding that record.
All asylum claims lodged in the United Kingdom, including those involving claims of past torture, are carefully considered on their individual merits, and decisions are only taken following full consideration. The UK Government’s published policy on asylum claims relating to torture clearly requires decision-makers to act with sensitivity, and to allow reasonable time for any relevant medical evidence to be provided.
I am particularly pleased that Freedom from Torture have recognised that the United Kingdom has excellent policy guidance on considering medical evidence of torture in asylum claims. I understand that the Home Office works closely with partners like Freedom from Torture to improve the way it deals with asylum claims, and I hope that this ongoing process will help ensure that all asylum claims relating to torture are dealt with as appropriately and as sensitively as possible.