Refugee Action responds to the Home Affairs Committee’s wide-ranging report on immigration.

The charity, which supports refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK, welcomes the committee’s recommendation that the Government upholds the principle of asylum and establishes a permanent resettlement scheme based on the current programme welcoming refugees affected by the conflict in Syria, which enjoys strong public support.

Stephen Hale, chief executive of Refugee Action, says:

“We strongly support the committee’s calls for the Government’s successful Syrian resettlement scheme to be turned into a permanent programme and expanded to welcome refugees affected by conflict and persecution in other countries.

“In the middle of the world’s worst refugee crisis on record, we have a responsibility to increase current levels of resettlement beyond 2020.

“This report shows Brits are compassionate and believe we should continue to protect those forced to flee conflict and persecution.

“But it is essential that all refugees in Britain, no matter how they arrive, have the opportunity to contribute to their new communities. The committee is right to highlight the scandal of cuts to funding for English language lessons and we welcome their recommendation for investment in this crucial area.”

Ends.

For more information and interviews contact the Refugee Action press office on 07771 748 159 or email JennaP@refugee-action.org.uk.