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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.