In her speech at Conservative Party conference, the home secretary voiced a sentiment shared by many parliamentarians: the asylum system is not working, not least for people who are stuck in the process.
It is usual for those who arrive here seeking sanctuary from violence or persecution and a new chance in life live in destitution for months, even years, while their claims are assessed. Many are highly trained and have a great deal to contribute in sectors that would benefit from their expertise and experience.
It makes little sense that, since the law was changed in 2002, asylum seekers have been prevented from working. Instead, state handouts of £5.66 per day keep them in poverty and isolation, struggling with their mental health and robbed