Asylum backlog hits record 70k

The UK’s asylum backlog has soared to record levels despite a fall in applicants, official figures have revealed.

More than 70,000 are awaiting a decision on whether they can start a new life in the UK amid accusations that the Home Office’s system is failing.

The number left waiting for a decision on their future has increased by 73 per cent in the past two years.

The Home Office data shows there are 56,617 cases relating to 70,905 people still to be resolved, over nine times the level a decade ago.