Equality Watchdog Urges UK Government to Expand Migrant Benefits, Sparks Conservative Backlash
Britain's Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) has called on the UK government to ease restrictions on migrants accessing state benefits, a move that has drawn strong criticism from Conservative politicians. The EHRC gave the government an 'inconsistent action' rating for failing to implement United Nations recommendations, which include removing limitations that prevent many migrants from accessing public funds. Dr. Mary-Ann Stephenson, the EHRC chairwoman, argues that human rights protections should apply universally, regardless of citizenship or immigration status, and that greater welfare access is crucial to reduce poverty among migrant households. The commission also advocates for asylum seekers to be allowed to work before their claims are decided and criticized the government for discontinuing a refugee employability program. This intervention directly opposes the government's current efforts to tighten immigration rules and reduce the financial burden of supporting asylum seekers. 
