To mark six months since the Taliban took over Afghanistan, over 65 organisations across the West Midlands have signed a pledge calling on all local leaders to oppose the Nationality and Borders, which will punish refugees, including Afghans fleeing the Taliban. With formal routes like resettlement practically non-existent, Afghans will have no choice but to make their own way to safety in any way they can. The anti-refugee Bill will close the door on desperate people seeking safety – criminalising those who travel via so-called ‘irregular’ routes.
Full pledge statement below:
As local community representatives in the West Midlands, we look after our neighbours, we care about each other, and are proud to be a place of welcome.
We know that our towns and cities are strengthened by people seeking safety because we see this every day. As members and representatives of voluntary, community, arts, and faith groups/organisations across the West Midlands, we spend our days inspired by those we work with. The outpouring of support across our region for people fleeing Afghanistan is testament to this. Our spirit of care and solidarity with people seeking safety is stronger than ever, regardless of how they arrived in the UK.
That is why we have to speak out against the Government’s proposals to rewrite the asylum system, and the consequences they will have for refugees and for our communities. This year, people seeking sanctuary who are fleeing countries suffering terror and conflict, including Afghanistan, will reach the UK. Under the proposed Nationality and Borders Bill, they will be criminalised, threatened with removal, separated from their families, warehoused in unsuitable accommodation, have their asylum claims deemed ‘inadmissible’ and be prevented from feeling secure or safe.
This ‘anti-refugee’ Bill will punish people, not protect them. It will increase destitution, homelessness and exploitation. It will lead to ever more dangerous routes for those seeking safety and will stop people who have fled violence and persecution from rebuilding their lives.
We are united in opposing the policies this Bill will implement and ask all of our leaders in the West Midlands to stand with us, and call on the UK Government to scrap these harmful and divisive proposals.
