The government forces failed asylum seekers into abject poverty by removing all their benefits leaving many to sleep rough. Campaign groups have condemned the treatment as "inhumane" while many in government privately accept that it is also completely ineffective.
"If failed asylum seekers can't work, aren't receiving benefits and are living on the streets then they are hardly going to be able to return to their own countries by their own means," said John Leech MP.
The event, which was part of Refugee Week, has clearly had an effect. The government today announced a u-turn on the policy of taking children of failed asylum seekers into care if they refuse to leave the country.
"This isn't about encouraging failed asylum seekers to stay in the country," said John Leech MP. "What we're trying to show is that, in a civilised country, we should not be treating people like this.
"We need to create a fair, transparent and humane asylum policy and this is clearly not the way to do it," he continued. "If people's asylum applications have failed then we are never going to force them back to their countries of origin by leaving them homeless and destitute.
"I deal with hundreds of asylum cases every month and the government's treatment of many is appalling and shambolic," John added.
Refugee week ran from 18-24 June 2007.
Bookmark this story at:
del.icio.us
Digg
Facebook
LibDig
reddit
StumbleUpon
Print this news story.
Comment on this news story.
Previous news story: "Lack of housing should shame us all" - John Leech MP (Tue 26th Jun 2007).
Next news story: John Leech grills Minister over breast cancer screening rates (Fri 29th Jun 2007).
Related News Stories:
Thu 29th Jul 2010:
John Leech MP concerned at cuts affecting local legal aid charity.
Wed 9th Jun 2010:
John Leech takes the lead at North West Neuromuscular Conference in Manchester.
John Leech has a rainforest Free lunch.
Mon 10th May 2010:
JOHN LEECH WINS IN MANCHESTER WITHINGTON.
Mon 26th Apr 2010:
THE BUTCHER, BAKER AND THE CANDLESTICK MAKER BACK JOHN LEECH.
Tue 13th Apr 2010:
JOHN LEECH ADVICE SURGERIES BUSINESS AS USUAL DURING ELECTION PERIOD.
Fri 11th Dec 2009:
Gordon Brown challenged by John Leech MP on Burnage Walk in Centre.
Tue 8th Dec 2009:
John Leech MP votes against Transport Committee report.
Tue 6th Oct 2009:
John Leech MP backs RNID's checks for a healthy hearing future.
Tue 25th Aug 2009:
John Leech backs Prescription Charge Campaign.
Mon 27th Jul 2009:
John Leech gets behind campaign for 'random kindness'.
Wed 8th Jul 2009:
South Manchester MP John Leech joins inquiry into Aid Effectiveness.
Thu 30th Apr 2009:
John Leech MP to hand in "Cash back for Christie" Petition next week.
Tue 28th Apr 2009:
John Leech MP mounts bucking bronco to show support for planet-friendly farming .
Tue 21st Apr 2009:
Environmental Campaigners congratulate John Leech MP.
Mon 20th Apr 2009:
John Leech MP takes local asylum cases to the top.
John Leech MP joins St George's day celebration.
Mon 23rd Mar 2009:
John Leech's EDM opposing ID cards in Manchester gets cross party support.
Tue 10th Mar 2009:
John Leech MP stands up for Local Journalism .
Thu 12th Feb 2009:
John Leech MP Condemns Animal Cruelty with a "Whale-Tail".
Wed 19th Nov 2008:
'We must learn from our European partners' says John Leech MP.
Tue 11th Nov 2008:
John Leech MP meets Prince's Trust Young Ambassador.
Tue 4th Nov 2008:
John Leech takes fight for allotments to the Commons.
Mon 13th Oct 2008:
John Leech Makes a Difference for Barnardo's.
Fri 29th Aug 2008:
"Reopen Parrs Wood allotments!" says John Leech MP.
Wed 20th Aug 2008:
John Leech MP ensures you have your say on congestion charge.
Fri 15th Aug 2008:
John Leech MP: 'Tory think tank call is an insult to the North'.
Wed 13th Aug 2008:
Decision to close local post offices is 'shameful' says John Leech MP.
Thu 7th Aug 2008:
John Leech MP leads the fight against knife crime.
Tue 5th Aug 2008:
"More people than ever will be living in fuel poverty" - John Leech MP.
Wed 23rd Jul 2008:
John Leech MP warns of Bogus Clothing Charities.
Tue 22nd Jul 2008:
John Leech MP takes Post Office Fight to the Floor of the House.
John Leech MP accuses Labour of siding with mobile phone giants against local communities .
Wed 16th Jul 2008:
John Leech celebrates biggest fundraising dinner yet.
Tue 15th Jul 2008:
'A 999 text service could help save more lives' - John Leech MP.
Fri 11th Jul 2008:
'We must ensure that Jodrell Bank is here to stay, not just for the short term' - John Leech MP.
Mon 7th Jul 2008:
'There is a danger that the debate will become about just another tax on the motorist' - John Leech MP.
Sat 5th Jul 2008:
'In the year of its 60th birthday, plans for the NHS must not put existing services at risk' - John Leech MP.
Wed 2nd Jul 2008:
John Leech MP Angered as Tories ignore Pensioners' Pleas.
Tue 1st Jul 2008:
John Leech MP backs charity RoadPeace on the promotion of the 'World Day of Remembrance for Road Traffic Victims'.
John Leech MP in Support of Retro-Reflective Markings on Heavy Goods Vehicles.
John Leech MP Joins in the Fight Against a Silent Killer.
John Leech MP calls on the Government for the Consent to Women Bishops.
Mon 30th Jun 2008:
Local Restaurant "curries favour" with John Leech MP.
Tue 24th Jun 2008:
Error means that Post Office consultation period must be halted says John Leech MP.
Fri 20th Jun 2008:
John Leech MP doesn't make a mountain out of a molehill about sunburn threat.
Thu 19th Jun 2008:
John Leech backs support workers in minimum wage bid.
Wed 18th Jun 2008:
John Leech MP fights to save Post Offices from the axe.
Tue 10th Jun 2008:
'It is great to meet so many supporters who invest so much time and energy in raising funds for research in to cancer' - John Leech MP.
Mon 9th Jun 2008:
John Leech MP pledges to protect endangered elephants from the deadly ivory trade.
Thu 5th Jun 2008:
'Our GPs must continue to see us as patients, not customers' - John Leech MP.
Wed 4th Jun 2008:
John Leech MP encourages Mancunian veterans to apply for badge.
Fri 23rd May 2008:
'We must recognise the achievements of the NHS breast screening programme as it enters a new age' - John Leech MP.
Thu 22nd May 2008:
John Leech MP backs Xtraordinary People in Parliament.
Wed 21st May 2008:
John Leech MP supports fight to improve services for vulnerable patients.
Mon 19th May 2008:
John Leech MP backs the Safer Strangers, Safer Buildings Campaign.
Wed 14th May 2008:
John Leech MP exercises for lung health.
Thu 8th May 2008:
MP John Leech Works to Prevent House Under Threat of Flooding in Didsbury.
Fri 25th Apr 2008:
John Leech, MP Fights to Save Bus Saver Tickets.
Fri 21st Mar 2008:
John Leech MP strives to protect the Post Office as Labour MPs back closure plans.
'Mahoro Must Stay' - John Leech MP.
Sat 15th Mar 2008:
John Leech MP calls for real nappies in our hospitals.
Wed 12th Mar 2008:
'Jodrell Bank must not be forgotten' - John Leech MP.
Tue 12th Feb 2008:
'Mindless attacks on our fire brigade must be stopped' - John Leech MP .
Fri 8th Feb 2008:
'On their 150th anniversary, we must congratulate the Hallé Orchestra for their continuing commitment to the arts in Manchester' - John Leech MP .
Thu 7th Feb 2008:
'Fifty years on, the city will be united in remembrance' - John Leech MP.
Mon 4th Feb 2008:
'Land Girls deserve recognition' - John Leech MP.
Fri 1st Feb 2008:
John Leech celebrates Parliamentarian of the Year accolade.
Wed 16th Jan 2008:
'Forecasted Arts Council cuts is a huge setback to Manchester arts scene' - John Leech MP.
Wed 19th Dec 2007:
'We must recognise the continuing plight of the homeless this Christmas' - John Leech MP.
Fri 30th Nov 2007:
'Maia's a winner' - Manchester Withington MP, John Leech.
Tue 27th Nov 2007:
John Leech MP criticizes Labour's Detention Periods.
Sat 24th Nov 2007:
John Leech MP gets the hump about Japanese whaling.
Wed 21st Nov 2007:
In light of massive data loss, John Leech MP slams Labour on ID card scheme.
John Leech MP and guests dine in style.
Fri 16th Nov 2007:
John Leech MP accuses Tiscali of playing Scrooge this Christmas.
Tue 13th Nov 2007:
'Remploy will continue to provide an invaluable resource to disabled people' - John Leech MP.
Mon 12th Nov 2007:
Queen's Speech a disappointment for South Manchester - John Leech MP .
Thu 8th Nov 2007:
Government continues to fail our children - John Leech MP.
Tue 6th Nov 2007:
John Leech MP delivering for South Manchester.
Mon 5th Nov 2007:
John Leech MP slams government plans to abandon renewable energy targets.
John Leech MP fights to reduce supermarket waste .
Tue 30th Oct 2007:
'The date of the general election should be set in law, rather than by the Prime Minister' - John Leech MP.
Mon 29th Oct 2007:
John Leech MP feels his way to new skills.
'We must improve sporting opportunities in local communities and clubs' - Manchester MP, John Leech .
Fri 26th Oct 2007:
'Wear it pink!' says John Leech MP.
Thu 18th Oct 2007:
MP for Manchester Withington, John Leech, reminds children to be safe and seen in the coming winter months.
'We are facing a dental crisis' - Manchester MP, John Leech.
Thu 27th Sep 2007:
John Leech MP is overwhelmed at the response from the health surveys.
Thu 13th Sep 2007:
John Leech MP slams cemetery vandals .
John Leech MP starts massive health consultation.
Wed 5th Sep 2007:
Energy Campaigners welcome John Leech MP's support for reducing carbon emissions.
John Leech MP steps up support for Remploy rally.
Fri 17th Aug 2007:
John Leech MP calls for Peterloo memorial.
Tue 7th Aug 2007:
John Leech MP slams government's North-South failings.
Mon 6th Aug 2007:
John Leech MP helps announce doubling of rail cash.
Thu 2nd Aug 2007:
John Leech takes up Remploy cause.
Tue 31st Jul 2007:
John Leech MP backs plans to lift 5m out of poverty.
Mon 30th Jul 2007:
John Leech leads calls for safer young drivers.
Thu 26th Jul 2007:
"Tory trouncing leaves Lib Dems as the real alternative" - John Leech MP.
"Holidaymakers may be terrorist targets - even before they've left the airport" - John Leech MP.
Mon 16th Jul 2007:
John Leech demands more recycling facilities.
Mon 9th Jul 2007:
John Leech fights to bring lung cancer out of the political shadow.
Wed 4th Jul 2007:
John Leech MP slams government's rail failures.
Mon 2nd Jul 2007:
John Leech MP tackles one of his toughest grillings yet.
Fri 29th Jun 2007:
John Leech grills Minister over breast cancer screening rates.
Tue 26th Jun 2007:
"Lack of housing should shame us all" - John Leech MP.
Wed 30th May 2007:
John Leech MP stands up for Marie Louise Gardens in the House of Commons as outcry grows.
John Leech MP takes Mersey Valley fight to Parliament.
John Leech MP backs bid to clean up student accommodation.
Fri 25th May 2007:
John Leech MP Marks Christian Aid Week Anniversary.
Thu 24th May 2007:
John Leech MP praises work of foster carers .
John Leech MP keeps up the fight against Labour's Post Office cuts.
"Decent homes should be a right" - John Leech MP.
Wed 23rd May 2007:
John Leech MP helps Breast Cancer Campaign in Manchester Run.
Thu 17th May 2007:
"Give local people the power over superstores" - John Leech MP.
Thu 26th Apr 2007:
John Leech MP struggles with the small print .
"Local elections in Old Moat and Chorlton set for another nail-biter" - John Leech MP.
Thu 5th Apr 2007:
John Leech MP backs St. George's holiday campaign.
"Labour's Iraq Disaster Needs a New Strategy" - John Leech MP.
"We must end fuel poverty" - John Leech MP.
Stop Labour's Post Office Swindle - John Leech MP.
John Leech MP slams unfair BT charges.
Thu 29th Mar 2007:
John Leech MP Welcomes Carbon Saving at Manchester Airport.
Wed 28th Mar 2007:
John Leech MP joins NSPCC in campaign to support child witnesses.
John Leech says "Make Chatter Matter".
John Leech backs protection for urban wildlife.
Mon 19th Mar 2007:
John Leech MP 'Ramps' up interest in local sports.
Wed 14th Mar 2007:
"Government takes the wrong route on nukes." - John Leech MP.
Thu 8th Mar 2007:
"Let's get rid of the Elephant in the Room" - John Leech MP.
Tue 6th Mar 2007:
John Leech MP takes police cuts to No. 10.
Tue 27th Feb 2007:
John Leech MP introduces new bill to tackle road deaths.
Thu 15th Feb 2007:
John Leech MP praises St. Ann's vital work.
Fri 26th Jan 2007:
John Leech MP helps commemorate Holocaust victims.
Sat 20th Jan 2007:
John Leech MP Backs Heart Campaign - And Urges Constituents To Sign Up Too!
Tue 16th Jan 2007:
'Forecasted Arts Council cuts is a huge setback to Manchester arts scene' - John Leech MP.
Mon 15th Jan 2007:
John Leech Praises Card Scheme for Teenage Cancer Patients.
Sun 7th Jan 2007:
John Leech MP launches quest to find local young business talent.
Mon 18th Dec 2006:
John Leech MP supports campaign for seasonal grants to help poor families in Manchester this Christmas.
Fri 8th Dec 2006:
John Leech MP welcomes Christie's new Critical Care Unit.
Constituents Lobby John Leech MP over Worldwide Aids Crisis.
Thu 7th Dec 2006:
John Leech MP demands 'right to hospice care'.
Thu 30th Nov 2006:
John Leech Quizzes Government over Lung Cancer Screening.
Wed 22nd Nov 2006:
Friends of the Earth campaign backed by John Leech MP gets Climate Change Bill into Queen's Speech.
Wed 8th Nov 2006:
John Leech MP Calls On Local Businesses To Support Charities In South Manchester By Signing Up To Payroll Giving.
Tue 7th Nov 2006:
John Leech MP supports Road Safety Week campaign to cut young driver crashes in the North West.
Tue 8th Aug 2006:
'NHS Jobs Crisis Must Be Tackled' says John Leech MP.
Mon 31st Jul 2006:
Energy Campaigners welcome John Leech MP's support for Climate Change Bill.
Thu 27th Jul 2006:
John Leech MP calls on Government to get tough on Gas Guzzlers .
Thu 20th Jul 2006:
John Leech MP says "Nuclear Power? - No Thanks!
Thu 13th Jul 2006:
John Leech MP calls on solicitors to take part in Will Aid.
Thu 6th Jul 2006:
John Leech MP Calls for Inquiry into Utility Prices.
Mon 3rd Jul 2006:
John Leech MP welcomes Cancer Nursing Initiative .
Fri 30th Jun 2006:
John Leech MP highlights Danger of Skin Cancer .
Wed 28th Jun 2006:
John Leech MP Grills Minister as NHS Dentistry Declines.
Tue 27th Jun 2006:
John Leech MP calls for cheaper phone calls for Hospital patients.
Mon 26th Jun 2006:
John Leech MP slams government over Council Tax let down for 6,600 pensioners in Manchester Withington.
John Leech MP calls for end of 'Garden Grabbing ' developments.
Thu 22nd Jun 2006:
John Leech MP supports Whizz-Kidz and Barnardo's.
Tue 11th Apr 2006:
Rail Users Back John Leech MP.
Wed 21st Sep 2005:
John Leech Campaigning at Lib Dem Conference.
