Thank you to constituents who have recently contacted me
regarding our asylum system.
I have received a copy of Refugee Action's recent report
" Waiting in the Dark: how the asylum system dehumanises, disempowers and
damages , makes plain the human impact of a hostile asylum process" and
have met with representatives from Refugee Action, Refugee Council and other
charities working with asylum seekers and refugees to discuss their concerns
about our asylum system, many of which I share.
As vice-chair for the All Party Parliamentary Groups on
Refugee and Migration, I have previously questioned ministers on our current
policy on refusing asylum seeker their right to work after the six-month
waiting period, and have also raised the issue of legal aid, ESOL and other
essential provisions for those who are genuinely seeking sanctuary in our
country for fear of persecution, war or violence.
We need an asylum system that is not only fair and robust
but also is compassionate on the most vulnerable and in need of protection.
I hope to meet the new Home Secretary soon when
Parliament returns and when I do so I will be sure to convey to her the points
constituents have raised.
