A complaint has been filed with the EU Commission against the UK government’s policy of detaining rough sleepers from the European Economic Area and sending them back to their country of origin.

The complaint comes from FEANTSA, a respected umbrella body representing homelessness organisations across Europe, which claims the policy abuses EU free movement rights and criminalises vulnerable people.

It follows reports that the Home Office is threatening to arrest and deport homeless people sleeping on the streets of Edinburgh.

Homelessness charity Crisis said it shares FEANTSA’s concerns about the impact of the “unacceptable” policy on vulnerable rough sleepers.

Jon Sparkes, chief executive of Crisis, added: “In recent weeks and months, a number of our own clients have been detained without warning and with no consideration for their best interests. Some have simply disappeared, and we have no way of knowing what’s happened to them.

“This is completely unacceptable, and potentially very dangerous, as we have no evidence that people’s health needs are being properly managed. It is hard to imagine UK nationals ever being treated with such little respect for their wishes or wellbeing.

“These people were actively using our services - looking for a job, working towards qualifications, learning new skills, and attempting to find accommodation - and this policy means that people who are already extremely vulnerable are less likely to get the support they need to escape homelessness and get on with their lives, whether here in the UK or elsewhere.

“Homeless people deserve better than this, and we urge the government to suspend this policy and instead work with Crisis and others to understand the best approach to safe and responsible solutions for migrant rough sleepers.”