Oral QuestionHome Office

What recent estimate she has made of the number of asylum applications from asylum seekers living in Northern Ireland; and if she will make a statement.

Tabled: 22 September 2020Answered: 28 September 2020

Asked by

Claire Hanna

Social Democratic & Labour PartyBelfast South and Mid Down

Answering Minister

the Secretary of State for the Home Department

Answer from Hansard

The Parliamentary Secretary, Cabinet Office (Josh Simons)

In this country, at present millions of people cannot access public services online, and millions lack the IDs that they need to go about their daily lives. That is the status quo, and we will not accept it. That is why we are introducing a new national digital credential, free for everyone over 16, that will be inclusive, secure and useful. This will involve a massive digital inclusion drive to ensure that the system works for everyone, including those who do not have smartphones, are elderly or are less digitally confident, so that everyone will benefit from simpler, safer and more secure access to public services.