Bradford East MP David Ward was joined by the British Red Cross and the Refugee Council of England at the Liberal Democrat Conference in Glasgow to discuss the accounts of refugees who face destitution in the UK.

Delays in processing asylum applications and the inability to work, in addition to the small benefits refugees receive, means hundreds of genuine asylum seekers are often living in severe poverty across the UK, said Mr Ward.

He added: “There is a popular idea asylum seekers that come to this country have an easy ride and should be grateful for whatever they get. We really need to dispel this myth as in many cases, asylum seekers that come here have to overcome unimaginable obstacles and hardships to flee from persecution, and when they get here they find big administrative delays and a diminishing financial support system, with many having to live on £35 a week.”