Hundreds of women stage Parliament protest over 'no safety net' immigration law » Housing » 24dash.com

Hundreds of women protested outside Parliament today to bring attention to the immigration law that provides "no safety net to vulnerable women".

Southall Black Sisters, human rights groups and other organisations from around the country began the day with a silent protest outside Portcullis House wearing masks and black clothes to expose the injustice of women who are turned away from their local authority because of the no recourse to funds requirement.

The demonstration follows a series of reports on the rule that prevents women who have travelled to the UK legally, with a work, spousal or student visa, from accessing state benefits or social housing if they experience violence or abuse by their partners.

It was followed by a public meeting in Portcullis House to lobby the Government to provide an exemption in the rule to ensure women are not forced to return to their abuser.

Pragna Patel, of Southall Black Sisters, said: "The situation affecting these women is horrific. It is unacceptable that the Government's policies and measures to protect all women from violence do not reach this category of women."

Members of parliament have also joined the campaign to demand that something be done to address the suffering experienced by women with no recourse.

Hornsey and Wood Green MP, Lynne Featherstone, of the Liberal Democrats, said: "With no real or secure support from the Government, these women face a bleak choice between destitution or continued dependence on their abuser. The devil and the deep blue sea doesn't quite describe what a grim choice this is."

Shadow Minister for Women and Maidenhead MP Theresa May added: "The issue of the no recourse to public funds requirement is continually raised by organisations that I meet as a barrier preventing them from providing necessary help to vulnerable women.

"I will be looking at the Government's proposals to examine whether they will provide a workable solution to this problem."