Asylum appeal backlog reaches nearly 87,500 cases in fresh blow to Labour

11 June 2026 , 18:17

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Asylum appeal backlog reaches nearly 87,500 cases in fresh blow to Labour

The backlog of asylum appeal cases has reached a new record high, according to Ministry of Justice figures.

Nearly 87,500 appeals to overturn failed asylum applications had been lodged at the end of March 2026 - a 70% year-on-year increase.

While the government has sharply reduced the backlog of cases awaiting an initial decision, the number of appeals to be resolved has risen, meaning the overall asylum caseload remains higher than when Labour took office.

Cabinet minister Hilary Benn told the BBC on Friday the government had "dealt with the backlogs, we’re now processing asylum claims much much quicker".

Sophia Martinez

World Affairs Correspondent