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Britain could soon house asylum seekers in camp with no mains power or running water
Home Office stock photo

UP TO 500 refugees could be housed  in a Hampshire camp with no mains power or running water, according to former immigration minister Caroline Nokes.

The Tory MP grilled Home Office minister Chris Philp in the Commons yesterday over proposed changes to asylum law, which she said could have “far-reaching consequences” if they come into force in January. 

New rules, published quietly last week, will prevent people from claiming asylum in Britain if they have passed through or have a connection with a “safe” third country.

 
In response to today’s debate Refugee Action chief executive Stephen Hale said: “This government wants to pull the rug out from under our international obligation to support people fleeing violence and persecution.
 
“Their plans do not fix the asylum system. They won’t stop people risking their lives to reach our shores, or make certain decisions on claims are right first time, solve the housing crisis or alleviate suffering.
 
“Instead they take away the human right to claim asylum from people who have had to battle against the odds to make it to the UK, and have had to do so because there are so few safe and legal routes to get here.”
 
Mr Hale urged Home Office ministers to rethink the rule changes. 
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