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LETTER FROM THE REFUGEE COUNCIL 04-10-2023

Last week we wrote to you expressing our concern about the Home Secretary's claim that it should be made harder for someone to qualify as a refugee. This week at the Conservative Party conference we heard her share further harmful and provocative comments that dehumanise people seeking safety.

So, I wanted to share with you our new report that provides the evidence that underpins what we know: that the majority of people crossing the English Channel are in need of protection. 

Our new report, The Truth about Channel crossings and the impact of the illegal Migration Act reveals that 3 out of 4 people crossing the Channel in small boats this year are refugees who would be granted asylum if their claims were processed.

This stands in contrast to what we hear the Government saying, because the reality is that the vast majority of men, women and children who come to the UK by crossing the Channel are desperately seeking safety, having fled persecution, terror and oppression.

"I was told to leave Afghanistan or I would be killed by the Taliban."

Once it comes into force, the new Illegal Migration Act will mean that anybody who crosses the Channel will be told that their claim for asylum won't even be considered - despite the fact that 3 out of 4 people would be recognised as refugees in need of protection if their case was processed.

In addition, our report finds that as few as 3.5% of people seeking asylum will be able to be returned to a safe country, leaving tens of thousands of people unable to be removed or to restart their life in the UK.

"Closing down the asylum system will simply result in vast cost, chaos and human misery with tens of thousands of people stuck in permanent limbo, likely to disappear into the margins of our communities, at risk of destitution, exploitation and abuse." 

Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council

Our report highlights the unfairness and chaos at the heart of our asylum system. Instead of turning our backs on those in need of protection, we should ensure that they are given a fair hearing on UK soil. Add your support by joining our campaign for a fair and humane asylum system.

Please read our report and join our campaign, so when you are in conversation with friends, family and colleagues you have this information at your fingertips to counter harmful Government narratives.

OUR REPORT

Thank you for standing with refugees and people seeking asylum.

Best wishes,

Beatrice
Head of Public Affairs and Policy
Refugee Council

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