Letter: No place of refuge

From Ms Helen Bamber

Sir: We are glad to hear that the Government wants to help genuine refugees (report, 12 October). However, the announcement by Peter Lilley about the withdrawal of social security benefits for asylum seekers gives every appearance to the contrary.

Many of those seen by the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture have been refused refugee status by the Home Office but have subsequently been recognised as refugees on appeal to the courts. This process can take over a year. Under the new rules, such survivors would be left destitute while their cases are dealt with.

How safe will the supposed "safe haven" of Britain be when survivors of torture are without food and a roof over their heads?

Yours faithfully,

Helen Bamber

Director

Medical Foundation

for the Care of Victims

of Torture

London, NW5