The Nationality and Borders Bill is a racist and brutal attack on human rights, removing the ability to claim asylum for all refugees except those arriving via "legal" routes, writes Weyman Bennett, co-convenor, Stand Up To Racism
Tom Pursglove, the Tory minister for tackling illegal immigration, claims the government is 'cracking down' through the Bill, which will make it a criminal offence to knowingly arrive in Britain "illegally".
Care4Calais says less than 1 percent of the world’s refugees follow "legal" migration routes, such as resettlement schemes. Refugee organisations have repeatedly pointed out that the vast majority of asylum claims come from countries listed by the Global Peace Index as the most dangerous in the world.
NO SAFE LEGAL ROUTES
Because there is no safe legal route to enter the UK for most refugees, the majority have no choice but to seek unsafe routes. The repeated tragedies in the Channel are a direct result of the UK government refusing to allow safe and legal routes for refugees.
Stand Up To Racism calls for the scrapping of the Nationality and Borders Bill and the rapid expansion of safe and legal routes for refugees to enter the UK and claim asylum.
Clause 9 of the Bill could result in six million people losing British citizenship without warning - a major breach of international human rights obligations.
The Bill is part of the intensification of a racist offensive by Johnson's cabinet, as it tries to divert blame onto refugees and migrants for a crisis caused by the rich.
We need a mass, united anti racist movement. The FBU has a proud tradition of standing, and acting in solidarity with refugees. Stand Up To Racism has called protests and will continue to work as part of a wider campaign to keep the fight on the streets and defeat home secretary Priti Patel’s attack on refugees.
Support, involvement and action by trade unionists, nationally and inside every community will be crucial to its success.
