The Panel included David Ward MP; Nick Scott-Flynn, the Head of Refugee Services at the
British Red Crossand Morris Wren, the Chief Executive of the Refugee Council. A young refugee now settled in Glasgow, Mabeena, also joined the panel to pass on her first hand experiences.
The
British Red Crossis part of the largest humanitarian organisation in the world with branches in over 200 countries. 10,000 refugees arrive in the UK each year and up to 60 % of them will end up being destitute at some point.
David Ward MP, said that his constituency office in Bradford East received one of the highest amounts of immigration casework in the country.
He indicated that most asylum seekers said to him they feel like they are in a prison without walls and reminded delegates the Lib Dems had promised in the 2010 manifesto that they would restore confidence in the immigration system and make it firm but fair.
He added that 3 years later the situation was ‘not good enough’.
“It is hard to think of a single bit of the immigration and asylum system that is good, and that is a long period of time with no progress”. He said the situation was ‘disastrously disappointing’.
Mr Ward indicated however, that some House of Commons select committees were looking into the immigration system and setting out future changes.
In response to widespread immigration myths in some parts of the press, Mr Ward urged the government to continue to put across the facts to the public:
“If some of the myths were dispelled the public would support us. There is a failure to distinguish between different types of immigration and some racism which must not be tolerated. We Liberal Democrats must dispel those myths and ensure the parliamentary party speaks up on these issues clearly”.
He concluded that then party should include treatment of Asylum seekers and refugees in its red line issues at the time of any future coalition negotiation after the next election. We must say: “We will not deal with anybody who doesn’t face up to this problem”
Mabeena added some of her personal experience too, and said that most refugees in her group based in Glasgow had been destitute at some point. She made clear the priorities of the authorities are wrong when asylum seekers are asked to report to the Home Office each week, but that caseworkers don’t ask if they have enough food or clothing.
“Every single day – I think destitution is increasing crime. Asylum seekers should have better support provided from the day they get Asylum to the day the get leave to remain or leave the country.”
From the money they get (often as little as £70 per week) they have to choose between good food for their children and toys for their children.
She added: “I am so glad I got my Leave to remain. I love Glasgow and this is my home now.”
Morris Wren, Chief Exec of
the Refugee Councilsaid:
“I’m really pleased to be here with the Lib Dems. The pledges in the 2010 manifesto were the strongest we have ever seen from a party. We welcome the fact that families with young children are not now in detention centres” (one of the first decisions taken by the government after 2010 election).
"I would like to thank Sarah Teather MP (who had been scheduled to speak at this event) and pay tribute to her for her work, especially as chair of the APPG on refugees."
He added that the UK is a signatory to the refugee convention – and there is widespread support for this across the left and right in British politics.
He concluded by saying that two main things are required – campaigning and policy changes.
“We must demand leadership from politicians to challenge ignorance. Even more important we see action here from the main parties, with Euro elections in 2014 and UKIP on the rise. We must also simplify the support system and stop people falling through the cracks.”
Other delegates attending the meeting and asking questions included Lord Roger Roberts who speaks for the Lib Dems on the matters in the House of Lords and Cllr Richard Kemp, on behalf of the Local Government Association and the Lib Dem leader of Liverpool City Council, who stressed the importance for local authorities to also take asylum seekers from different parts of the world.