A Kent MP has raised concerns over plans to give asylum seekers questionnaires rather than interviews, saying it could "lead to the emboldening of people smugglers".

Natalie Elphicke, MP for Dover and Deal, spoke out today over her issues with latest Home Office scheme to fast-track applications, as government officials look to tackle record numbers of people trying to enter the country.

Asylum seekers from Syria, Afghanistan, Libya, Eritrea and Yemen are said to be eligible to take part in the questionnaire as part of the policy launched today.

The process will see adult applicants and their child dependants sent a 10-page form to fill out as opposed to being automatically interviewed.

Speaking on the BBC's World at One radio programme, the 52-year-old confirmed her misgivings over the scheme.

"There is a serious risk of sending mixed messages to the people smugglers and indeed, emboldening them and that's my real concern with this development," she said.

"On the one hand, we say 'if you come into the country illegally, you can't stay here' and now on the other we're saying 'unless you came in before last summer, in which case make sure you get your paperwork straight'.

"We know the people smugglers aren't concerned about the backlogs, they're not concerned about the time it takes.

"So I am concerned that the latest developments on the fast-tracking of particular claims can lead to this emboldening of the people smugglers and ultimately could be counter-productive."

The launch of the plan comes as the asylum backlog hits a new record of more than 160,000 people.

A total of 160,919 asylum seekers were waiting for an initial decision on their claim at the end of December.

This marks a 60% increase compared to the same period in 2021 and is the highest figure since current records began in 2010.

It is believed a total of 12,000 asylum seekers from various countries will be in line to receive the questionnaire, which will contain about 40 questions and should be returned within 20 working days.

Applicants could still be called for an interview and any who do not provide the required information and evidence could have their claim rejected.

Some critics have branded the plans "clumsy" following reports asylum seekers will be told to fill out the form in English, while others welcomed efforts to reduce the backlog but worried the approach could throw up more "bureaucratic hurdles".

Discussing the logistics of the plan, as well as the future work of the government, the Tory MP admitted the plan was "perfectly sensible in terms of administration in the Home Office", which she says "certainly needs to be more efficient".

She added: "I know a lot of work is being done across Government and it is a key priority of the PM but the bottom line is that the boats are still coming.

"We'll have to see what happens in the next weeks and months, and most importantly what happens in that March summit with Macron.

"What's really important to remember when it comes to the small boats crossing is that these are incredibly dangerous, these are criminal gangs and they have cost lives.

"It is imperative that we take steps to make sure people are not making these crossings in the first place."

Labour’s shadow home secretary, Yvette Cooper, said: “It’s damning that the Home Office isn’t doing this already, given Labour has been calling for the fast-tracking of cases – including for safe countries like Albania – for months and the UNHCR recommended it two years ago.

“Meanwhile, the asylum backlog has skyrocketed – up by 50% since Rishi Sunak promised to clear it.

“After 13 years of Government, the Conservatives clearly have no idea how to fix the mess they have made of the asylum system.”