IF a nation's draconian laws badly affected children it is a safe bet that the UK would be the first to condemn them and call for action.

Yet, the current situation applying across this country means that the children of failed asylum seekers are suffering because of strict Home Office rules being applied.

Now, Bolton Council is calling on the Government to scrap the controversial cutting of state support to failed asylum seekers which leaves them destitute. It says this hardline policy is having a detrimental effect on the children involved, and on community relations in the town.

A number of families living in Bolton - including the Sukula family in Great Lever who have attracted a legion of support for their case to stay here - have to survive on charity and handouts from friends.

At fault is Section 9 of the Asylum and Immigration Act, which is being piloted and which is plainly not working in any humane fashion.

Typically, under the terms of this act the Sukula family has had benefits stopped and been given notice to quit their house in a bid to force them to return to their former homeland, the Democratic Republic of Congo.

They fled this country's political regime in fear of their lives, and the campaign to allow them to stay -backed by the Bolton Evening News - has attracted widespread attention.

Children deserve the right to grow up freely, with enough food, shelter and education and in a society without fear of violence or of being forcibly removed to another country.

Our children have that right; the youngsters of families who do not match the current criteria for refugee status do not.

We cannot call ourselves a civilised society until this changes.