Charities – like the people they support – have been hit hard by coronavirus, facing record demand amid shrinking revenues. The South London Refugee Association does fantastic work supporting migrants, refugees & asylum seekers in our area. Helping with everything from basic provisions to technological support and legal advice, they urgently need donations of food, toiletries and technology (laptops, tablets and smartphones). Please reach out if you can help them: https://www.slr-a.org.uk/contact

With current government support for asylum seekers next to nothing (£37.75 per person per week), I’m backing Refugee Action’s call to lift the ban on working. It takes up to six months to approve an asylum claim. Allowing asylum seekers to work during that time would mean an estimated economic boost of £97.8 million, more key workers during Covid-19 and better community cohesion.

If you live in the constituency and are having problems with your immigration status or know somebody else who needs support, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with my office: bell.ribeiroaddy.mp@parliament.uk