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REFUGEE ACTION RESPONDS TO NEWS OF
IAS CLOSURE

Monday July 11th 2011

Commenting on the news that the Immigration Advisory Service (the UK’s largest provider of legal aid asylum and immigration services) has gone into administration, Refugee Action Chief Executive Dave Garratt said:

“Today’s news is yet another devastating blow for asylum seekers looking to secure legal representation in the UK. The flawed framework for legal advice already means a dearth of services across the country.

“Without free, good quality, legal help people are often simply unable to get the protection they deserve.

“These are some of the most vulnerable members of our society, yet once again they’re left with simply nowhere to turn.

“We urge a fundamental review of the funding for legal advice for asylum seekers in the UK. Good advice is crucial if the asylum system is to be fair and efficient.

ENDS

Notes to editors

1. As announced on Legal Services Commission website 11/7/11 http://legalservices.gov.uk/civil/cls_news_12838.asp
2. Refugee Action is an independent, national charity working to enable refugees to build new lives. We provide practical advice and assistance for newly arrived asylum seekers and long-term commitment to their settlement through community development work, and received 30,000 visits from asylum seekers last year. As one of the country’s leading agencies in the field, Refugee Action has 30 years’ experience in pioneering innovative work in partnership with refugees.

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