§ Baroness Coxasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many of those arrested in the past 12 months on suspicion of terrorist offences had at some point applied for asylum in the United Kingdom. [HL4712]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalInformation on nationality and immigration status can be a key part of the investigation of terrorist offences and the police and Immigration Service work closely together in these cases. The Home Office legislated in the Nationality Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 to make it easier to deport foreign nationals who have committed serious offences.
Information on arrests is collated centrally for statistical purposes but is not generally collated for individuals. It would be disproportionate to require the police and courts to obtain, verify and record this information in all cases.
The available evidence suggests that only a small number of foreign nationals, asylum seekers or refugees commit serious crimes.