In the last few weeks, the new Government has made four significant changes to refugee policy that the Refugee Council and its supporters have been calling for:
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On his first full day as Prime Minister, Keir Starmer announced the end of the Rwanda Plan.
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On 23 July, the Government announced it would stop using the Bibby Stockholm barge and other unsuitable accommodations for people seeking asylum.
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On the following day, the Government confirmed that they will process the claims of those arriving since March 2023, who have been left in limbo by the Illegal Migration Act.
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And on 30th July, the Government announced a new route to reunite Afghan families separated during the chaos of evacuating Kabul
These announcements are a positive step towards creating a fairer and more humane asylum system. Now we have an opportunity to demonstrate to MPs that these changes have strong public backing. Please write to your MP to express your support.
Template letter
Dear MP,
I hope that this email finds you well. I am writing to express my strong support for several recent changes made by the Government regarding refugees and people seeking asylum in the UK. These changes represent a significant step forward in creating a fairer and more humane asylum system.
Firstly, I commend the Government for ending the Rwanda plan. This policy was unworkablem unethical and hugely costly. It is essential that the UK upholds its commitment to protecting the rights and dignity of those seeking refuge.
Secondly, I support the decision to stop using the Bibby Stockholm barge to accommodate people seeking asylum. This move acknowledges the need for more suitable and humane living conditions for people seeking safety in the UK.
Thirdly, I am pleased at the Government's confirmation that they will process the claims of those who have arrived in the UK since March 2023, who have until now been left in limbo at huge cost by the Illegal Migration Act, unable to be processed yet facing only a vanishingly small chance of being removed to Rwanda.
Lastly, the introduction of a new route to reunite Afghan families separated during the chaos of evacuating Kabul is hugely welcome. This will be life changing for children who have been apart from their parents for far too long.
Please convey my support for these changes to the Home Secretary and her ministerial team. It is vital that these positive steps are recognised, and that we continue to improve the UK's approach to asylum and refugee policies. I support the recommendations on refugee integration and safe routes outlined by the Refugee Council, and hope the Government will take up these proposals.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter. I look forward to hearing about the progress on these issues and further positive developments in our asylum system.
Yours sincerely,
(Your name)
