Record number of asylum seekers died in 2024 while in care of Home Office
GuardianFEB 1
UK Asylum Deaths Hit Record High
Above: The Home Office sign outside their building in Whitehall, London. Image copyright: Andrew Aitchison/Contributor/In pictures via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This rise in deaths is alarming and must be investigated further. Asylum or refugee status isn't routinely recorded as part of the death registration process, which means the number of deaths of individuals seeking asylum in the UK could be much worse than what's been reported. More must be done to hold the Home Office to account.
Narrative B
The government has been doing more in terms of oversight of refugee oversight policy, including establishing clear lines for reporting and accountability and providing additional training for the staff in charge of managing large projects and contracted providers. Officials are continuing to look for other ways to improve the system.