Government cuts force asylum seeker centre closure

On 18 February, Wakefield MP Mary Creagh responded to the news that an important asylum seeker's hostel in Wakefield is to close in March 2011. The Refugee Council run hostel, Angel Lodge, has seen a 60% cut to its budget by the Home Office, sparking fears that vulnerable asylum seekers may become homeless and destitute.

Mary said "I know many brave people who fled their own countries after helping UK forces in Iraq passed through the centre. I'm proud that council and other public services worked so well together to support the men, women and children who sought sanctuary in our city."

Charlotte Cooke of the Refugee Council said "We help asylum seekers access support. These are people that have been trafficked, suffered torture or domestic violence, and people who are minors who have been wrongly routed through the system. We are very worried. I think we will see more destitute asylum seekers on the street."