ASYLUM AND IMMIGRATION LEGAL SERVICES

Early day motion 79, tabled 17 May 2005 by Neil Gerrard (Labour). Signed by 41 members.

That this House notes the evidence compiled by the charities Bail for Immigration Detainees and Asylum Aid of the negative impact since April 2004 of changes to the funding arrangements in England and Wales for immigration and asylum legal work; recognises that the evidence shows that it is increasingly difficult for asylum seekers and immigrants to access good quality legal advice and representation and that many asylum seekers are being left to represent themselves as large numbers of law firms pull out of asylum and immigration work or significantly reduce the amount of publicly funded work they take on; further notes that among those having such difficulties are victims of torture and other vulnerable people, including pregnant women, and that non-profit organisations are unable to meet the resulting demands for help; and calls on the Government to commission an independent investigation into the impact of the immigration legal aid cuts of 2004, and an audit of the provision of publicly funded immigration and asylum legal services in England and Wales.

Signatures by party: Labour 28, Liberal Democrat 8, Plaid Cymru 2, Conservative 1, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.