Carmichael condemns “grim politics” from Home Secretary on homeless people

Orkney and Shetland MP, Alistair Carmichael has condemned Home Secretary Suella Braverman's new proposals to fine charities for providing tents to homeless people, calling it “grim politics from a desperate government”. The Home Secretary is proposing new laws to restrict the use of tents by homeless people, arguing that many of them see it as a "lifestyle choice".

Mr Carmichael said:

"This is grim politics from a desperate Conservative government which knows its days are numbered.

 "It is a new low for Braverman to criminalise homeless charities for simply trying to keep vulnerable people warm and dry in winter.

"The public raise millions of pounds for homeless people at this time of year, and the government's response is to criminalise those charities trying to help. Even if this area of policy is devolved, the Home Secretary is setting a dangerous precedent with this demonisation of struggling people.

"This policy will do nothing to stop rough sleeping and will leave vulnerable people to face the harsh weather conditions without any shelter whatsoever."

 Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter said:

"Living on the streets is not a lifestyle choice."

"Homelessness happens when housing policy fails and boils down to people not being able to afford to live anywhere.

"Private rents are at an all-time high, evictions are rising and the cost of living crisis continues."