It’s not OK for anyone to freeze to death on the streets

JVL Introduction

The UK government lacks the most basic levels of humanity and has created a country that cannot meet the most basic needs of its poorer residents and citizens.  Homelessness levels have soared and there is no commitment to build genuine social housing or to expand hostels and other suitable supported provision for people who are on, or at grave risk of being, on the streets.  To the already dreadful situation we now add asylum seekers and refugees (including asylum seekers who now have refugee status).  This article focuses on their plight and the response from the Mayor of London.

Cold weather emergency protocols are under intense strain as you can read below and refugees are being evicted from hotels onto the freezing streets or to find their way to get support that is stretched beyond the limit.

It is simple, no-one should be sleeping on the streets.  Along with refugees and asylum seekers are far too many ex soldiers and people with a history of mental illness in that situation.  We know the costs of homelessness, in terms of health, of educational prowess and unemployment.  At the very minimum, the Severe Weather Emergency Protocols must be kept and made easily available to all.

LL

This article was originally published by The Guardian on Thu 18 Jan 2024. Read the original here.