The Nationality and Borders Bill represents one of the biggest roll backs of refugee rights the UK has ever seen. It ignores the realities of why people have to flee and seek sanctuary and does not address any of the problems it purports to resolve.

We are working Together With Refugees to oppose the bill.

It’s up to all of us to take stand.

The first thing everyone can do:

if you haven’t done so already, please sign up your group or organisation to the 300+ strong coalition campaign Together with Refugees, which is seeking an effective, fair and humane system to support people seeking sanctuary in the UK. Any organisation can join – from your voluntary group or charity to your workplace, or Trade Union /Professional Association branch.  Please also encourage Sanctuary awarded organisations in your area to join too. We believe that we can only affect change in collaboration and partnership with others across the refugee sector and civic society. See their Campaign Resources here.

City of Sanctuary Groups are uniquely placed to mobilise not just their volunteers but also pledged supporters, awarded organisations and wider civic and voluntary organisations to give a clear message to MPs that an anti-refugee Bill is morally reprehensible and does not reflect who we are. Mobilising individuals, groups and organisations who have already pledged support to the vision of welcome and awarded organisations can extend the reach and impact of our actions.

We can do this by promoting the message that welcome, inclusion and cohesive communities is what everybody wants for our society. MPs need to know that their constituents want to live in a society which protects, not punishes, people fleeing violence and persecution.

If Parliament defeats this bill (or the worst elements of it) it will be the result of the influence on MPs by their constituents.