Granting protection to those who genuinely need it and refusing those who do not, in an efficient, sensitive and effective a way as possible, is crucial.
I have been assured that all members of staff who make asylum decisions receive a comprehensive level of training. This includes a dedicated five-week Training Programme that includes training on international and domestic law and safeguarding issues, which is supplemented by a mentoring programme with an experienced decision maker that lasts from three to six months. More specifically, the Training Programme also includes a detailed section which covers torture claims involving medico-legal reports.
I should also highlight that Asylum Operations recently received funding from the Asylum Migration and Integration Fund to review and redevelop its training prospectus. As part of that work, Asylum Operations is liaising with a range of external stakeholders, including charities and non-governmental organisations, to ensure that there is robust and effective safeguarding training.
The cases of those who have been abused who claim asylum in the UK must be processed quickly and efficiently, and I am assured the procedures are in place to do so.