To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they will oppose any proposal from the European Commission to establish a European Union asylum support office. [HL1618]

The proposal to which the noble Lord refers will only apply to the UK if we opt in to it. We have until 20 May to decide whether to do this and are currently considering our options.

The proposed European asylum support office would have no powers to determine asylum cases. Sixteen percent of asylum claims in the EU are multiple claims made in more than one member state.