CAMPAIGNERS from the Peace and Justice group in Wanstead and east London are celebrating after the Government agreed to scrap a law which they believe has been leaving asylum seekers destitute.

Under section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, asylum seekers who did not immediately claim asylum upon entry to the country were denied any benefits or help.

Since its introduction at the start of last year, the measure has forced 7,500 asylum seekers to live in destitution, according to Paul Donovan of Peace and Justice in east London.

Mr Donovan said that during last month's Refugee Week, members of the faith communities that form Peace and Justice in east London signed hundreds of cards which were then sent to local MPs requesting section 55 be reversed.

Two weeks later, following a Court of Appeal decision, the Home Office agreed to suspend the measure pending a possible appeal.

Mr Donovan said: "This is real proof that getting involved can make a difference. We are not suggesting that sending the card was the only reason that the Government agreed to take this decision, but it does prove that everyone can make a difference.

"Let's hope that this move marks a more humane approach to the issue of asylum and immigration generally."