TUC slams racist talk on asylum

Politicians and media outlets have been condemned for encouraging racist attitudes towards asylum seekers at a recent meeting of the TUC executive committee.

TUC general secretary John Monks said: "It has been a great disappointment to see how some politicians and newspapers have helped in recent weeks to create a climate of hostility towards those seeking asylum in this country."

Monks emphasised that many European countries "are playing host to many more asylum seekers per head of population than the UK." He said: "Other countries have faced bigger increases than the UK. To use language such as describing us as a 'soft touch' is not just therefore inaccurate but clearly designed to stir up prejudice."

He added: "The TUC strongly condemns anyone who contributes to a climate of prejudice and hostility towards asylum-seekers - many of whom have suffered greatly in their own countries and had to separate from their loved ones. They need support, help and sympathy not prejudice and suspicion."