UK Asylum Deaths Hit Record High

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FEB 10

Above: The Home Office sign outside their building in Whitehall, London. Image copyright: Andrew Aitchison/Contributor/In pictures via Getty Imagesstory last updated FEB 11

The Facts

The United Kingdom's Home Office reported 51 asylum seeker deaths in its care during 2024, marking an 11-person increase from the previous year and representing a dramatic rise from just four deaths recorded in 2019.
The Home Office initially underreported the 2024 death toll as 30, later acknowledging an additional 21 deaths after issuing an apology for providing incomplete data through their freedom of information team.
Among the documented cases, approximately one-third of the initial 30 reported deaths were attributed to suspected suicide, with a similar number listed as unknown causes. Only eight were definitively linked to natural causes or illness.

The Spin

Narrative A

This rise in deaths is alarming and must be investigated further. Asylum or refugee status isn't routinely recorded as part of the death registration process, which means the number of deaths of individuals seeking asylum in the UK could be much worse than what's been reported. More must be done to hold the Home Office to account.

Guardian

Narrative B

The government has been doing more in terms of oversight of refugee oversight policy, including establishing clear lines for reporting and accountability and providing additional training for the staff in charge of managing large projects and contracted providers. Officials are continuing to look for other ways to improve the system.

GOV.UK