To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to ensure that other European Union states share responsibility for providing asylum to those from outside the EU who require it. (227836)

The Government have actively participated in the existing Common European Asylum System of directives establishing minimum standards for asylum practices and procedures, and the Dublin Regulation determining responsibility for examining asylum claims.

The Government welcome the opportunity afforded by the European Commission's Policy Plan on Asylum and the Migration Pact which was agreed at the October European Council, to develop greater practical cooperation between member states and non-governmental organisations in the area of asylum.