EU needs a common European asylum policy (Ilford South Liberal Democrats)

Ilford South Liberal Democrats <info@libdems.org.uk>

EU needs a common European asylum policy

May 8, 2009 4:46 PM
Originally published by Sarah Ludford MEP

The European Parliament has approved a package of new measures to get better coordination of EU countries' policies on dealing with asylum-seekers. This covers reception conditions, legal assistance, the management of asylum applications and the use of detention. There is more clarity about which country must take responsibility in dealing with asylum claims and a new European Asylum Support Office is set up to help Member States deal with claims.

Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman and London MEP Sarah Ludford said:

"Only a common European asylum system can establish a level playing field and bring an end both to the pass-the-parcel of asylum claimants between governments, and the shopping around by claimants. The Tory opposition to an EU policy shows their failure to understand that a better asylum procedure in Greece lessens the pressure on the UK."

"The EU objective is rightly to have a system which guarantees that persons genuinely in need of protection have access to a high level of protection, while dealing fairly but efficiently with those whose claim is unfounded."

"The European Asylum Support Office will provide much-needed practical assistance to Member States, for instance by advising on conditions in the country of origin of the claimant so an assessment is more informed."

"The UK government's decision to opt out of the Reception Conditions Directive because it would allow asylum seekers to work after 6 months is fundamentally misguided. It makes no sense to leave asylum-seekers dependent on the taxpayer rather than being allowed to support themselves."