Campaigners urged to speak out

Refugee groups need to speak out about recommendations for a
“radical overhaul” of the system for issuing asylum
decisions and returning those whose applications have failed,
delegates heard today, writes Amy Taylor in
London.

Denham urged campaigners to speak out.

Speaking at the Refugee Council’s AGM, John Denham said
that campaigners had advocated the home affairs select
committee’s recommendation for more investment in
decision-making, but had failed to voice their opinions on the
other points.

Denham, who is chair of the committee, also called on
campaigners to express their views on the committee’s
recommendation for tougher enforcement of rules on illegal
working.

He concluded that the creation of a fair asylum system would
help to end the anger felt towards asylum seekers by some members
of the public, as this stemmed from a view that claimants were
getting support that they weren’t entitled to.