A cross-party committee of politicians is launching a new inquiry into the experiences of refugees in the UK.
The probe, led by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Refugees will consider the experiences of refugees who have claimed asylum in the UK, as well as those of refugees who have arrived in the UK through other paths, such as resettlement.
In particular, the inquiry will focus on the integration of new refugees, including success in finding employment, securing accommodation and, where appropriate, help with English language skills.
The Refugee’s Welcome? Inquiry, which is being launched today, is led by a cross-party committee of MPs and peers, chaired by Thangam Debbonaire MP. Secretariat support is being provided by the Refugee Council.
Find out how to submit evidence here: http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/refugees_welcome_inquiry
In May, a new research report by the Refugee Council revealed that the UK Government was leaving newly recognised refugees in England were being left homeless and hungry. We will be pressing MPs to investigate the systemic failures which result in refugees lacking somewhere safe to sleep and a way of securing an income.
Refugee Council Chief Executive Maurice Wren said: “For over a year now the news has been dominated by the plight of refugees forced into a desperate search for safety. Much of the discussion in the UK has focused on how many we should help and who they should be.
“This Inquiry will shine a much needed spotlight on what actually happens to refugees once they arrive here. Although we know refugees need help to establish safe and stable lives, the grim reality is that some refugees are systematically denied such assistance, leaving them hungry and sleeping on the streets in one of the richest countries in the world.
“We hope this Inquiry demonstrates to the Government that denying refugees the tools to rebuild their shattered lives diminishes us all. Providing protection must mean more than a passport to poverty.”
The Inquiry is encouraging a broad range of groups, including refugees and those who support them, to submit evidence to the Inquiry.
The deadline for submitting written evidence is 1 October 2016.
