A meeting about immigration rules which are separating families in Hampshire will be held tomorrow.

Southampton community leaders have slammed a Government policy which prevents British citizens sponsoring spouses from outside the EU unless they are earning more than £18,600.

The United Communities of Southampton say the policy is preventing married couples from living together.

The group has organising a meeting at Newtown Youth Club in Graham Road at 7pm to discuss the issue.

Pritheepal Singh, the organisation’s general secretary, said: “I have congregation members telling me that the new rules are causing them depression and frustration. It is very serious.

“The meeting will see community leaders of different faiths coming together to talk about this issue.

“We hope that this will raise awareness among the general public, who I’m sure would be outraged to hear that families are kept apart as a result of this rule.”