Dear Friends

The new government has a chance to do things differently on asylum. At the Refugee Council, we want a fair, humane and effective asylum system that provides protection and enables refugees to rebuild their lives in safety. As we approach the sixtieth anniversary of the 1951 Refugee Convention next year, we're asking the new government to seize the opportunity to create such a system.

We're highlighting to key ministers and all MPs the urgent need for positive, swift action across government on a range of issues.

Now we need your help to put the case for positive changes to government.

Until 2002 when the previous government changed the rules, asylum seekers could work to support themselves. Now, people who have fled war and persecution are living in poverty, and some are completely destitute. The new government has a chance to change this.

Tell your MP - end destitution in the asylum system and let asylum seekers work: http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=121&ea....

Asylum seekers come to this country in search of safety, not in search of jobs. While they are waiting for a final outcome on their asylum claim, they want to use their skills and support themselves and their families. When government spending is being cut, it doesn't make sense to force people who could work to live on benefits.

In a time of economic hardship, it's more important than ever to stand up for the most vulnerable in our society. We want to build support in parliament, to put pressure on the government to let asylum seekers work.

Act now: E-mail your MP. Ask them to support permission to work for asylum seekers. It will take just 2 minutes.

Help us to bring an end to destitution in the asylum system and put pressure on the government to give permission to work to asylum seekers.

http://e-activist.com/ea-campaign/clientcampaign.do?ea.client.id=121&ea....

Thanks for your continuing support.
Marilyn and Anna
Refugee Council campaigns team
campaigns@refugeecouncil.org.uk