Briefing note to SWVG members and supporters

The Nationality and Borders Bill - Devastation for Refugee Protection in the UK

The Nationality and Borders Bill will become law unless we prevent it. If passed, this cruel law will prevent our country from being a place of safety for those at risk or torture, war or death. In addition, for people here, it will compound problems as more and more people will become destitute, homeless and desperate. The Bill is inhumane, expensive, unworkable and illegal.

Some of the key areas of concern include:

Creating two classes of refugees based on how they arrive in the UK rather than why they arrive. Many people seeking asylum have no option but to arrive here by irregular routes. All routes are legal under international law but the UK does not offer alternative, safe options. People seeking asylum have fled their home country in fear and have not asked for permission to leave; or been issued official documents. The Bill states that people arriving by routes other than a government scheme will be inadmissible and only ever given temporary status.

Powers to move people seeking asylum “off shore” to another country where they have no protection e.g. Rwanda

Powers to place people seeking asylum in institutional reception centres (camps) whilst they are waiting decisions to be sent off shore (or if this is not possible - to have their asylum claim assessed in the UK). This will prevent them being integrated with the local community and rebuilding their lives. This Government has already lost many court battles over the appalling conditions suffered by people housed in disused army camps.

Criminalising people helping those seeking safety. This will not just affect people smugglers, but possibly also people who are seeking asylum and people providing humanitarian help.

The lack of any firm numerical commitments by this Government in the Bill for those coming to the UK via organised international resettlement programmes (legal organised routes). This Government is trying to appear compliant with International law by offering a minimum limited and inflexible refugee programme.

Here is how you can help:

Sign petitions that you are sent;

Talk to your friends and encourage them to take action;

Tell your MP that this bill is cruel, vindictive and not in your name. Remind your MP that it is:

70 years since the UK signed the UN Convention for Refugees following the horrors of WW 2. 70 years ago the UK committed, alongside other nations to protect people fleeing war and persecution. The UK is abandoning these principles in breach of international law. The UK in recent years, has helped those fleeing ethnic cleansing in the Balkans, torture in Zimbabwe and war in Syria, we need to continue protecting people from new abhorrent regimes and future wars.

Contribute to the Show Your Heart Campaign. (see Summer 2021 Newsletter no 10). To recap, this has been created by Together with Refugees, an umbrella group of over 300 organisations across the UK. The symbol uses a heart and the colours of the refugee flag to symbolise kindness and compassion. Please take a photograph of friends, groups, yourself with the picture of the orange heart and this will indicate that you stand with refugees and people seeking asylum in this country and seek a fair deal for them. Please send your photo and signed heart to Jenny.corrick140257@gmail.com.

Please download the Orange Heart: here

We are determined to campaign to stop this threat to the UK’s reputation as a place of safety for those fleeing war and persecution.

Remember that:

We are all citizens of the world, with relationships and responsibilities to our fellow human beings, some of whom have, through no fault of their own, difficult and vulnerable lives

Everyone deserves a free and safe life and that we want a compassionate and fair asylum system

Together With Refugees Campaign Pack:

Click here to see the Together with Refugees Campaign Pack

FAQs:

Please find attached FAQs to assist you.

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By: LS-B 12-Sept-2021

SWVG Campaigning Group