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Nuns left to deal with immigrants
Nuns are struggling to honour their vow to God because of an explosion of immigrants crossing Waterloo Bridge from Westminster.
Droves of homeless immigrants turned away from social services in Westminster are seeking solace with the Missionaries of Charity in Southwark.
Tough legislation means thousands coming to Victoria Station are refused access to the labour markets, shelter and benefits. They are turning to the Missionaries of Charity from the Order of Mother Theresa, which receives no government funding, as the last port of call.
The five nuns have taken a vow “to help the poorest of the poor” – but because of the rise in figures they are forced to turn dozens of immigrants away each day.
With just 40 beds, the nuns say they cannot cope with the surge they say is coming from Westminster following the widening of the EU to take in Romania and Bulgaria on January 1.
One Sister said: “It is so hard to turn them away. Many are very elderly and they are knocking at our door begging just to sleep on the floor. We cannot do anything to help them and it is very hard for us.”
Philip Burke, a Simon Community trustee who helps the nuns, said: “It is particular problem because the government has changed the rules for the Bulgarians and Romanians. They cannot access the labour market, state-funded hostels or social services benefits. It means they are being left absolutely destitute.”
Mr Burke, who used to work calculating national homeless figures, added: “Everyone seems to be ignoring this but it is a big issue that just won’t go away.”
Romanian and Bulgarian nationals are coming to Victoria Station in their thousands each week, according to the leader of Westminster council.
Sir Simon Milton said the council is not obliged to help them and the government must raise funding levels if it is to help. Many without work permits are not able to get care or shelter and are falling into drug addiction and crime.
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