Whilst it is a disgraceful state of affairs that such polices have to be campaigned for, it is excellent that the Liberal Democrat Manifesto, published today, has good priorities for putting forward existing policies, ready for action, in any new Government.
AN END TO INDEFINITE DETENTION FOR IMMIGRATION PURPOSES is highlighted even in the summary document, and there are details of it here. If other parties will work with us, there could be an end to the disgraceful system of locking up asylum seekers, many of whom have committed no crime, without any time limit. This wastes lives and wastes money and we hope this commitment is the beginning of the end of this practice.
In the detailed document there are other much needed commitments to tackle destitution, poverty, agonising waits, and poor treatment. These include :
GIVING THE RIGHT TO WORK. All working age asylum seekers who have waited more than six months for their claim to be processed will need to seek work like other benefit claimants.
ENDING THE INIQUITOUS AZURE CARD. This wasteful and demeaning way of expecting some seeking sanctuary here will be abolished. All asylum seekers, at whatever stage of their claim will be given the same benefit, in cash.
BETTER DECISION MAKING. Speed up the process, so that the lengthy waits are cut down and proper and fair decisions can be made more promptly.
MORE ACCOUNTABILITY OF SERVICE PROVIDERS. Where services (including housing, removals, transport) are provided by the private sector now, the providers will be subject to more accountability, Freedom of Information searches and much better complaints services. The public will be able to trigger reviews of services delivered badly.
These manifesto commitments, if supported by other parties, could be carried out swiftly, and at a cost saving. They could be at the beginning of making the UK a country to be proud of how it treats its most vulnerable and those who seek sanctuary here with us.