ASYLUM SEEKERS AND WORK

Early day motion 1695, tabled 16 September 2003 by Sir David Amess (Conservative). Signed by 62 members.

That this House regrets the decision in 2002 by the Secretary of State for the Home Department to prevent asylum seekers from working while their applications for residency are under consideration; urges the Home Secretary to reconsider that decision; recognises that issuing temporary work permits would reduce the temptation to work illegally; and believes that allowing asylum seekers to contribute to the British economy would reduce tensions within the local communities where they are located.

Signatures by party: Labour 32, Liberal Democrat 18, Conservative 4, Labour/Co-operative 4, Scottish National Party 2, Independent Ulster Unionist 1, Plaid Cymru 1.