Methodist concern at Government plans to 'toughen up' asylum rules

The Methodist Church has voiced its concern about new proposalsfor dealing with asylum seekers announced today in the Queen'sSpeech. The Methodist Church has, alongside many otherdenominations and faiths, long expressed concern for the treatmentof people seeking asylum in this country. Many Methodists areinvolved in providing help and support through church andcommunity-based projects.

Anthea Cox, a spokesperson for the Methodist Church says: "Wehave made a detailed response to the Government's proposals toasylum reform. Many Methodists are actively working alongsideasylum seekers and will be aware of the human misery that may becaused by the proposed approach. These proposals pose potentialdangers and human rights abuses."

Ms Cox, Methodist Secretary for Public Life & SocialJustice, continued, "We question whether a policy that wouldprevent people from receiving benefits and therefore deliberatelymaking people destitute can ever be justified. Whilst we recognisethat at the end of a full and fair determination system thosewithout a claim to asylum must return home we can see evidence thatthe current system is far from 'full and fair.' There is a lack ofconfidence in the initial decision making process and a reducedright of appeal. This will be made worse by removing access tolegal aid for those seeking asylum another worrying aspect of theproposed bill."

The Rev Dr Peter Byass, Chair of the Methodist Relief andDevelopment Fund (MRDF), added: "Of particular concern is thatthese proposals may mean the children of asylum seekers being takeninto care. This could be viewed as an attempt to involve childrenas pawns in the traumatic process of repatriation and is totallyunacceptable. Any policy that may lead to the splitting up offamilies is fundamentally unjust and against civilised humanitarianprinciples."