Campaigning against Section 55 - the Fightback has begun

Support EDM 461: Withdrawal of Asylum Support for In-Country Applicants

Already asylum seekers have been refused support under section 55 of the new rules. Solicitors for two asylum seekers, will lodge Judicial Reviews in the High Court today Monday 13th January 2003, for an Iranian and an Angolan, who have been refused NASS support under section 55.

The hated voucher scheme was defeated by a magnificent unified protest from NGO's, trade unions, faith groups, MP's, the Voluntary Sector, refugees, asylum seekers, their friends and supporters.

With the same effort, section 55 can join the voucher scheme.

Make a start today, read on then contact your MP, if she/he has not signed EDM 461.

Joint statement on the withdrawal of asylum support for in-country applicants

From: The Refugee Council, Shelter, Amnesty International UK, Asylum Rights Campaign, CRISIS, JCORE, the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), Maternity Alliance, Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, Migrant Helpline, Oxfam, Refugee Action and Refugee Arrivals Project.

    The statement expresses deep concern with the Government's decision to deprive, from 8th January 2003, destitute in-country asylum applicants of the right to food and shelter. . . . . .

Full statement can be read at:
http://www.ncadc.org.uk/letters/newszine30/joint.html

Lynne Jones, Labour MP for Selly Oak, Birmingham, has tabled an Early Day Motion, supporting the above statement. (EDM 461: Withdrawal of Asylum Support for In-Country Applicants)

   Ask your MP to sign EDM 461. Contact details for all MP's of all parties, can be accessed from NCADC's resource page.

Fax your MP For Free : You can fax your MP from your web browser go to: http://www.ncadc.org.uk/letters/more/resource.html

Below is a short model letter which you can copy, amend, or write your own.

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Dear MP

I have read the joint statement issued by: The Refugee Council, Shelter, Amnesty International UK, Asylum Rights Campaign, CRISIS, JCORE, the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants (JCWI), Maternity Alliance, Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, Migrant Helpline, Oxfam, Refugee Action and Refugee Arrivals Project.

    The statement expresses deep concern with the Government's decision to deprive, from 8th January 2003, destitute in-country asylum applicants of the right to food and shelter. . . . . .

Lynne Jones, Labour MP for Selly Oak Birmingham, has tabled an EDM, (Early Day Motion 461: Withdrawal of Asylum Support for In-Country Applicants) supporting the above statement.

I would ask you to take time to read the *statement and if you find it acceptable add your signature to EDM 461.

Yours Sincerely,

*Joint statement on the withdrawal of asylum support for in-country applicants
http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/infocentre/nia_act2002/joint_sment_ics.htm

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Early Day Motion 461: Withdrawal of Asylum Support for In-Country Applicants

Lynne Jones, Tuesday 7th January 2003

That this House supports the statement from the Refugee Council, Shelter, Amnesty International UK, Asylum Rights Campaign, CRISIS, JCORE, JCWI, Maternity Alliance, Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture, Migrant Helpline, Oxfam, Refugee Action and Refugee Arrivals Project against the Government's decision to deprive destitute in-country asylum applicants of the right to food and shelter from 8th January, notes that the National Asylum Support Service is only available to people who show they would otherwise be destitute and people who lose this support through the operation of section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 will have nothing else to turn to; is deeply concerned that section 55 will effect all in-country applicants who represent two-thirds of those applying for asylum; notes that refugees are often unable to claim asylum at ports of entry for the reasons cited by the 1996 Social Security Advisory Committee, including lack of knowledge of the UK asylum process, language difficulties and trauma; further notes that this is supported by official figures showing that 65 per cent. of all successful claims, including exceptional leave to remain, are made by in-country applicants; regrets that the Government focus on deterrence of people seeking asylum has seen a more punitive philosophy take hold of government policy; notes that this has had no long-term effect in reducing numbers of asylum applications but has had a detrimental effect on the well-being of refugees; and believes that all asylum applicants should have their cases considered fairly and be treated with dignity.

Signatures:

Labour Party
Barnes, Harry
Caton, Martin
Cohen, Harry
Corbyn, Jeremy
Cox, Tom
Daisley, Paul
Davis, Terry
Dawson, Hilton
Ellman, Louise
Gerrard, Neil
Gibson, Ian
Hopkins, Kelvin
Jackson, Glenda
Jones, Lynne
Lewis, Terry
Marshall, Jim
McCafferty, Chris
McNamara, Kevin
Sedgemore, Brian
Simpson, Alan
Vis, Rudi

Liberal Democrats
Tonge, Jenny

Plaid Cymru
Llwyd, Elfyn
Thomas, Simon

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