We Stand with Refugees

Over the past year, we have seen the policy on asylum and migration become more hostile and inhumane, and further from compassionate policies based on human rights. Now, the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, has announced further policies which will further degrade the safety and well-being of people seeking protection in the UK. 

This announcement denies people seeking safety the stability they need to make a life in the UK. Instead, it feeds the idea that people trying to make a life for themselves in the UK are outsiders rather than future colleagues, neighbours and friends.

The proposed changes to policy include:

• People granted refugee status would have to reapply to remain in Britain every two-and-a-half years. If their country has been deemed ‘safe’ in that time period, their status may not be renewed.
• Refugees could be stuck in this process for 20 years before they can apply for permanent residence. 
• Restricting the right to family reunion.
• Making it even more difficult for people seeking asylum to access accommodation and support.
• Changes to human rights law, limiting the use of Article 8 (Right to Private and Family Life) and reviewing the application of Article 3 (Prohibition of Torture and Inhumane Treatment).

The Home Secretary said that this is necessary because “illegal migration is dividing the country”. But we know that it’s actually these racist, chaotic and unworkable policies that are dividing our communities. 

It is more important than ever to vocally and proudly support refugees and people seeking asylum. Every day, we support people fleeing conflicts who are simply trying to rebuild their lives here, and we aren’t alone. We stand with many other charities, community groups, and their supporters who believe refugees should always be welcomed here. 

We need compassionate asylum policies that keep families together and allow people to be part of communities. If we want communities to feel connected and confident, the stories we tell and the policies we push need to bring people in, not push them further to the margins.

Tell your MP: Compassion Not Cruelty.

Read Free Movement’s Explainer on the proposed policy changes.