Yesterday a complaint was filed with the EU Commission against the UK Government’s policy of detaining rough sleepers from the European Economic Area and sending them back to their country of origin. The complaint comes from FEANTSA – a respected umbrella body representing homelessness organisations across Europe - who claim the policy abuses EU free movement rights and criminalises vulnerable people. 

Responding, Jon Sparkes, Chief Executive of Crisis, said:

“We share FEANTSA’s concerns about the impact of this policy on vulnerable rough sleepers. In recent weeks and months, a number of our own clients have been detained without warning and with no consideration for their best interests. Some have simply disappeared, and we have no way of knowing what’s happened to them.

“This is completely unacceptable, and potentially very dangerous, as we have no evidence that people’s health needs are being properly managed. It is hard to imagine UK nationals ever being treated with such little respect for their wishes or wellbeing. These people were actively using our services - looking for a job, working towards qualifications, learning new skills, and attempting to find accommodation, and this policy means that people who are already extremely vulnerable are less likely to get the support and help they need to get out of homelessness and to get on with their lives either here in the UK or elsewhere.

“Homeless people deserve better than this, and we urge the Government to suspend this policy and instead work with Crisis and others to understand the best approach to safe and responsible solutions for migrant rough sleepers.”

ENDS

For further information or for spokesperson interviews call 020 7426 3853 or email thomas.phillips@crisis.org.uk. For out-of-hours media enquiries please call: 07973 372587

 
NOTES TO EDITORS 

Crisis is the national charity for homeless people. We are committed to ending homelessness.

Every day we see the devastating impact homelessness has on people’s lives. Every year we work side by side with thousands of homeless people, to help them rebuild their lives and leave homelessness behind for good.  

Through our pioneering research into the causes and consequences of homelessness and the solutions to it, we know what it will take to end it.

Together with others who share our resolve, we bring our knowledge, experience and determination to campaign for the changes that will solve the homelessness crisis once and for all.

We bring together a unique volunteer effort each Christmas, to bring warmth, companionship and vital services to people at one of the hardest times of the year, and offer a starting point out of homelessness.

We know that homelessness is not inevitable. We know that together we can end it.