Sheffield destitution demonstration

For a report on this demonstration, look here.

This demonstration calls on the Government to change the laws which make some asylum seekers destitute.

We call on the Government ‘to allow people seeking asylum to sustain themselves and contribute to wider society through paid work and, where this is not possible, to reinstate refused asylum seekers entitlement to benefits until such time as they may be removed.’

This country is not swamped with asylum seekers. Parts of the media have grossly exaggerated the problem. In fact, in 2005, the UK’s 30,000 asylum applications were equivalent to 0.05% of the population and the UK came 18th in the world in terms of asylum applications per head of population (Source: UNHCR Statistics).

This demonstration supports CAP's Living Ghosts Campaign, launched in 2005 with a statement by the Archbishop of York and some 50 other bishops and church leaders declaring that ‘it is inhumane and unacceptable that some people seeking asylum are left homeless and destitute by government policies.’

We aim to show by this demonstration that many people in Sheffield believe in welcoming people fleeing oppression in other countries and wish to see a change to current legislation which causes destitution.

If you would like to support this campaign, please:
• Sign a card to the Home Secretary supporting this campaign;
• Write to your MP calling for a change in the law.

Church Action on Poverty in Sheffield, 0114 255 2226