March 4th, 2005

GREENS CALL FOR ATTACK ON ASYLUM ‘PUSH FACTORS’

GREEN Party Euro-MPs Caroline Lucas (South-East England) and Jean Lambert (London) have called for an asylum policy based on tackling the ‘push factors’ of conflict and human rights abuses in refugees’ countries of origin.

Speaking at a panel to discuss the Greens’ response to Refugees and Asylum at the party’s Spring Conference in Chesterfield, they condemned the ‘bidding war’ in which Labour and the Conservatives are ‘trying to outdo each other on who can boast the nastiest policies’.

Jean Lambert, Co-President of the European Parliament’s Anti-Discrimination Intergroup, said: “The debate has been distorted so that we are now at the stage where we are more concerned about kicking people out of the country than understanding why they need to stay.”

“We are committed to protecting refugees and exposing the myths pedaled by the major parties. What we need are effective systems that work. Too often those who make decisions at border controls and elsewhere are hampered by out of date information.”

Dr Lucas said: “Labour and Tory policies are based in myths and lies about the number of asylum seekers seeking refugee status in the UK, and their social and economic contribution they make.

“In reality, the UK hosts less than three per cent of the world’s refugees – and immigrants, including refugees, actually contribute ten per cent more in taxes than they receive in benefits and public services.”

She added: “Greens believe in attacking the ‘push factors’ which drive refugees out of their homes – environmental degradation, conflict and human rights abuses – not the asylum seekers themselves.

“I am proud to represent the only party with a realistic, compassionate policy on asylum rooted in upholding our international commitments.”

Other speakers included Alistair Griggs, the Refugee Council’s Director of Regions and Green Party chair Hugo Charlton.

ENDS

For more information please contact Ben Duncan on 01273 67194, 07973 823358 or at ben@greenmeps.org.uk

www.carolinelucasmep.org.uk www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk