SECTION 55 OF THE NATIONALITY IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM ACT 2002

Early day motion 643, tabled 23 February 2004 by Neil Gerrard (Labour). Signed by 34 members.

That this House notes the publication of a report by the Mayor of London into the operation of section 55 of the Nationality Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 which found that up to 10,000 asylum seekers could be left destitute in London alone because of the denial of support under section 55, and that this is putting severe strain on refugee communities, themselves already deprived, but who feel obliged to help those left without any support; further notes the concerns expressed by the Home Affairs Committee about the operation of section 55; and calls on the Government to accept the recommendation of that Committee and commission an independent review of the working of section 55.

Signatures by party: Labour 26, Liberal Democrat 6, Plaid Cymru 1, Scottish National Party 1.