Why does the Government pander to racist sentiment?
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Today the Queen's Speech announced a single tier of appeal against asylum decisions, ostensibly to "reduce the scope for delay caused by groundless appeals."
This is the latest in a long line of governmental appeals to racist populist sentiment. It will not solve any of the problems surrounding the immigration system, but it will make life even harder for those in unbearable circumstances.
The Refugee Council states that the main cause of delays is the poor quality of decision-making, which results in high numbers of asylum cases overturned at appeal. The most recent asylum statistics show a success rate for asylum appeals of over 20% and for some nationals this rises to around 35% (Maeve Sherlock, Refugee Council)
Logic suggests that we need a better appeals system, to combat the low-grade and arbitrary nature of Home Office decision-making. In fact we need a further review, for the many derserving cases that slip through the net.
So why is the government proposing to limit the appeals process? This will just penalise those running from torture and persecution.
When will the government realise that removing people's children, making them destitute, and taking away their legal aid is pointless and inhumane. If they really want to address asylum 'issues', they should be counteracting the racist vitriol of the right wing press. Not pandering to it.
Hugo Charlton, Chair of the Green Party of England and Wales
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