ALLOWANCES FOR ASYLUM SEEKING CHILDREN

Early day motion 344, tabled 20 July 2015 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 68 members.

That this House condemns the 30 per cent cut in the daily allowance of asylum seeking children from £7.50 to £5.20; notes that this cut goes against the High Court judgment of 9 April 2014 that the Government assessment omitted the cost of essential items such as nappies; deplores this disregard for children's welfare; is concerned that 35 per cent of homeless women seeking asylum have been raped or sexually assaulted in the UK and that having to depend on others to feed children increases the risk of exploitation, prostitution and begging; further notes that the financial support offered to asylum seekers amounts to only 51 per cent of the lowest poverty line benefits offered to UK residents; commends the work of Rev. Paul Nicolson to establish minimum income standards which do not leave people hungry; considers that any measure pushing children and their carers into absolute poverty should not be taken without a debate and vote in Parliament; and calls on the Government to withdraw this cut in support for children.

Signatures by party: Scottish National Party 34, Labour 25, Labour/Co-operative 3, Social Democratic and Labour Party 3, Green 1, Liberal Democrat 1, Plaid Cymru 1.