Asylum hotels: state-endorsed robbery will not fix the crisis

EMBARGO: Immediate release

Commenting on the Government's annoucement to confiscate asylum seekers' jewellery to pay for their housing costs, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs spokesperson Max Wilkinson MP said:

"The Government must fix the asylum system, but stripping vulnerable people of their family heirlooms will not fix a system that is costing taxpayers £6 million every day in hotel bills.

"This policy goes against who we are - a nation that has long responded with compassion to those fleeing the worst atrocities imaginable.

"The Liberal Democrats are calling for the end of asylum hotels and to give asylum seekers the right to work, so that they can support themselves financially, integrate and pay tax. That is how we bring down the bill - not by state-endorsed robbery."

ENDS