PM must instruct Home Sec to lift no recourse to public funds rule for coronavirus crisis

Following the Prime Minster's appearance at the liaison committee yesterday, where he stated he would "see what we can do to help" those with no recourse to public funds, Liberal Democrat Home Affairs Spokesperson Christine Jardine said:

"It's unbelievable that someone who's been an MP for 12 years - and is now the Prime Minister - appeared to not have even heard of a rule that bars migrants from accessing crucial support from the government.

"The 'no recourse to public funds' rule is particularly damaging during the coronavirus crisis, preventing many families who have lost their livelihoods overnight from accessing the Universal Credit safety net. Liberal Democrats have been urging Priti Patel to lift the rule for the duration of the crisis, so migrants - like everyone else - are given the financial support they need to stay at home.

"I'm glad the Prime Minister said that people who live and work in the UK should have support. He must now instruct the Home Secretary to make that so by lifting the 'no recourse to public funds' rule."