BOSSES at a charity which helps homeless people say UK benefits changes are forcing European Union immigrants to sleep rough.
They say immigrants are often left with nowhere to turn.
On Thursday three eastern European men won a High Court fight with Home Office ministers after being told they could be deported as a result of sleeping rough.
Latvian Gunars Gureckis and Poles Mariusz Cielecki and Mariusz Perlinski said ministers had adopted a policy on rough sleepers from other European Union member states which was unjustified and discriminatory. Lawyers representing the Home Office disagreed and disputed the men's claims.
But a judge concluded that the policy was unlawful. Mrs Justice Lang, who analysed the case at a High Court hearing in London in November, advised Home Secretary Amber Rudd to ''take stock''.
Shelter has welcomed the ruling.
"People shouldn't be forcibly deported just because they're rough sleeping." said chief executive Polly Neate.
"Sleeping on the streets is an appalling and incredibly dangerous experience in which people are exposed to violence and ill health. It is no surprise that every year homeless people die bedding down on our streets and with an extremely cold winter upon us, this year will be no exception.
"Changes to benefit entitlements mean many EU immigrants are now often left with nowhere to turn but the streets. Local authorities and charities should be doing all they can to help anyone who's sleeping rough to get off the streets and out of danger by offering appropriate help, including accommodation and legal advice when possible.'
A lawyer who specialises in immigration issues said Mrs Justice Lang's ruling was right.
Barrister Ben Keith said Prime Minister Theresa May gave with one hand and Home Office ministers took away with another.
"The Government policy of treating EU nationals as pariahs by deporting rough sleepers was struck down by the High Court," said Keith.
"In my view the judgment was correct – discrimination against EU nationals is wrong in law and principle.
"What Theresa May gives with one hand, by telling EU nationals they are wanted, the Home Office takes away with the other, trying everything to justify removing them."
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