The Home Secretary has been slammed for cutting corners by Wrexham’s MP after claiming that axing a face to face advice service in favour of a telephone line was “an improvement.”
During exchanges on the Government’s proposals for tackling modern slavery in the Commons today, Wrexham MP Ian Lucas tackled Home Secretary Theresa May about the changes, which have led to a face-to-face advice worker who provided help to asylum seekers in Wrexham losing her job.
Mr Lucas told the Home Secretary: “We all support action on modern slavery, but unfortunately within the past two months the Home Secretary has withdrawn face-to-face advice for asylum seekers in my constituency, which is a dispersal area, so victims of modern slavery now have to call a phone helpline in order to seek advice.
“Actions speak louder than words. Why has she withdrawn that advice?”
In reply, Mrs May said: “The hon. Gentleman is right that the service provided is now under a new contract. A greater range of facilities is now available to individuals— for example, the advice phone line.”
Speaking after the debate, Mr Lucas said: “The Home Secretary claims that axing a face to face service and replacing it with a telephone service is providing a greater range of facilities. That is quite clearly not the case.
“The Government is maintain Wrexham as a dispersal area for asylum seekers but removing the help that those people need. In the past week, I have spoken to organisations in the town whose staff have told me the Government’s decision will have a real impact upon the very people the Home Secretary claims she wants to help.
“Despite the warm words from this Government today, it is clear it has no commitment to helping the most vulnerable people – not if there are corners which can be cut instead.”
