Terror suspects' spouses can claim benefits, says EU

[dipsydoodle]

A European court has ruled that the spouses of suspected terrorists can claim social security, though the funds of the suspects themselves are frozen.

The case was brought by the UK's House of Lords when spouses appealed against a Treasury decision to restrict funds.

The European Court of Justice ruled on Thursday that any social aid was unlikely to fund terrorist activities.

It said paying benefits to suspects' families "does not compromise" the practice of freezing suspects' assets.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk/8651066.stm

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. I'd have thought that's a no-brainer

Of course you can't cut off support from the relatives. Even if they are convicted, you can't cut off benefits from their dependents; but when the person is still just a suspect, it'd be doubly wrong. You can't punish people for the crimes of others.

[dipsydoodle]

2. I agree.

I thought we had a general rule of innocent until proven guilty anyway. It does however presuppose that dependents are actually entitled to benefits.

[TheBigotBasher]

3. They would have no resources.

No available capital and no income so that would pass a means test. However income support is to all intents and purposes gone, they would not qualify for employment support allowance and they are unlikely to qualify for JSA if they are not actively seeking work. SO they may still be stuffed.

[LeftishBrit]

4. +1