Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Doctors warn immigration system harms asylum seekers’ mental health

Dr Lade Smith, president of the RCP, said that the UK has a duty to improve the lives of asylum seekers, not worsen them.

Temporary accommodation units housing migrants are pictured on the MDP Wethersfield Ministry of Defence facility on July 24, 2024 in Wethersfield. (Photo: Getty Images)
Temporary accommodation units housing migrants are pictured on the MDP Wethersfield Ministry of Defence facility on July 24, 2024 in Wethersfield. (Photo: Getty Images)

TOP doctors have raised concerns over the UK’s immigration system, calling it a "public mental health concern" that harms asylum seekers and risks re-traumatising those already suffering from psychological distress.

According to The Guardian, the Royal College of Psychiatrists (RCP) is urging the government to reconsider immigration laws, stating that they have a "moral and ethical obligation" to protect the mental health of those seeking refuge in the UK.


Dr Lade Smith, president of the RCP, stated that many asylum seekers arrive in the UK after experiencing violence, imprisonment, and torture in their home countries, followed by further trauma during their journeys.

"A robust immigration policy can still be guided by human kindness, that is fair and compassionate," she said.

Smith emphasised that the UK has a duty to improve the lives of asylum seekers, not worsen them.

While the government has scrapped plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, key immigration legislation from 2022 remains. This legislation criminalises asylum seekers who do not use established routes and allows for processing claims in "third" countries.

The issue of asylum seekers' mental health came into focus last year after a suicide on the Bibby Stockholm barge in Dorset. The barge, criticised for poor conditions, is set to close in January, reported the newspaper.

An RCP report to be published this week also highlights issues in detention facilities and asylum seeker hotels, calling for immigration laws that support those with mental illness.

A Home Office spokesperson stated that mental health support is available to all asylum seekers, and the department will review the RCP's report.

More For You

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions
Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Sri Lanka forms committee to address UK sanctions

THE Sri Lanka government on Wednesday (2) formed a committee to recommend measures regarding the UK's decision to impose sanctions on three former military commanders who led the campaign that crushed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) in 2009.

Health minister Nalinda Jayatissa told reporters that foreign minister Vijitha Herath, justice minister Harshana Nanayakkara and deputy minister of defence Aruna Jayasekara would comprise the committee that would consult experts for the purpose.

Keep ReadingShow less
Gujarat-blast-ANI

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed. (Photo: ANI)

ANI

Death toll rises to 21 in Gujarat firework factory explosion

AN EXPLOSION at an illegal firecracker factory in Gujarat's Deesa town killed 21 people and injured several others on Tuesday, officials said.

The blast caused the factory’s concrete roof to collapse, scattering debris and body parts across the area, officials confirmed.

Keep ReadingShow less
Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

Child benefit, normally paid every four weeks directly into bank accounts, has undergone significant changes in recent months (Photo: Getty Images)

Child benefit payments set to rise for UK families

MILLIONS of British families are set to receive a financial boost as child benefit payments increase from April 7, according to HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

From next week, parents will receive £26.05 per week for the eldest or only child, amounting to £1,354.60 annually - up from the current rate of £25.60. For each additional child, payments will rise to £17.25 weekly, totalling £897 per year - an increase from the present £16.95 rate. This represents a 1.7 per cent increase across all payment categories.

Keep ReadingShow less
Anant Ambani Walks 140 Km in Spiritual Tribute on 30th Birthday

Anant’s padyatra is a reflection of the larger cultural fabric of India

Getty

Anant Ambani embarks on a 140-kilometer spiritual journey on foot to celebrate 30th birthday

Anant Ambani, a director of Reliance Industries Limited and a prominent figure in Indian industry, has chosen a unique and spiritual way to mark his 30th birthday. As part of his celebrations, he is currently undertaking a padyatra—a traditional pilgrimage on foot—from Jamnagar to Dwarka, covering a distance of approximately 140 kilometres. The journey reflects his devotion to Lord Dwarkadhish, the presiding deity of the Dwarkadhish Temple in the city of Dwarka.

Anant began his journey from his family’s residence in Moti Khavdi, Jamnagar, and has been progressing steadily for the past five days. Walking an estimated 10-12 kilometres each night, he travels under the protection of Z+ security and local police, ensuring his safety during this significant journey. The padyatra is expected to take between seven to nine days in total, with plans to conclude at the Dwarkadhish Temple in time for his birthday on April 10.

Keep ReadingShow less
New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

Government urged experts to come forward to help draw up a new five-year TB action plan. (Photo: Getty Images)

New TB action plan proposed as cases surge

BRITAIN on Wednesday (2) urged health experts and sufferers of tuberculosis (TB) to come forward to help draw up a new five-year action plan as it deals with record rises in the disease.

In 2023, England recorded its largest annual increase (11 per cent) in cases since enhanced surveillance began in 2000.

Keep ReadingShow less