Scottish Tory Leader Admits Mistake in Supporting Liz Truss

The Scottish National Party (SNP) has reported a significant membership decline of 12% over the past year, with numbers dropping from 73,936 to 61,525 as of June 29, 2023. This decline coincides with ongoing discussions about the UK government's approach to processing asylum claims, which the previous administration reportedly chose not to prioritize despite having the discretion to do so. Amnesty International's Steve Valdez-Symonds emphasized the need for safe routes for asylum seekers, as most individuals seeking refuge in the UK are deemed eligible for asylum. In the year leading up to June 2024, the Home Office recorded a total of 67,978 individuals granted refugee status or other forms of leave to remain, a significant increase from 21,436 in the previous year. The data also revealed that nearly all (99%) of those arriving via small boats across the English Channel claimed asylum or were dependents on an asylum application. This highlights the ongoing challenges and complexities surrounding asylum claims in the UK. The outgoing Conservative government issued 286,382 work visas during the same period, marking an 11% decrease from the previous year. Additionally, the number of irregular arrivals fell by 26%, with 38,784 individuals recorded, predominantly arriving by small boats. Despite these reductions, a substantial backlog remains, with 118,882 people awaiting initial asylum decisions as of June 2024. The statistics indicate a mixed picture of the UK’s immigration system, with a notable increase in asylum grants but persistent challenges in processing times and membership declines in political parties.