Lib Dems attack Ministers over asylum support cut

Under-16s waiting to hear the outcome of their asylum application used to receive £52.96 but from today that has been cut to £36.95.

Lib Dem Home Affairs spokesman Alistair Carmichael said: “This is immoral and dangerous. These are young people who have fled horrific situations and already witnessed horrors many of us will never see in a lifetime.

“If we are an open, liberal and tolerant nation we cannot allow children already deemed as destitute to fall even further below the poverty line by cutting their financial support.”

The Liberal Democrats argue that the only reason asylum seekers need state support is because they are now allowed to seek work.

The party has proposed lifting the work restriction for asylum seekers still waiting to hear the result of their claim after six months.

Mr Carmichael added: “Many of these people have fled war and suffering, but are doctors, professors and skilled professionals.

“These are people who want to contribute, but can’t because the law requires they rely on the state instead.”

The changes were instigated by the Government following the election, the Lib Dems having blocked them when in coalition with the Conservatives.