Making every penny count

09/06/09

People in Birmingham tested how far they could survive on one pound last Saturday.

The Refugee Council organised the event, ‘It’s only ten hours’, to raise awareness about the plight of destitute asylum seekers who remain in the UK after their applications have been refused and are no longer eligible for government assistance.

Nic Clark, Volunteer Co-ordinator said: “People who took part in the campaign have now got a better idea about how difficult it is for someone to survive without financial support from the government.

“The current economic climate has also made it difficult for destitute asylum seekers to ask for assistance from family and friends.” 

In a press release previously published by the Home Office in response to reports on destitute asylum seekers, Border and Immigration Minister Phil Woolas said: “If someone has no right to be here they must return home. I do not believe the taxpayer should be funding those with no grounds to stay in the United Kingdom.

“Our policies ensure that no person who has sought protection need be destitute whilst they have a valid reason to be here- everyone is entitled to apply for support at every stage of the process.”

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