The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill was presented to the government for its first reading on Thursday, 30th January 2025. Whilst we welcome some of the proposals outlined in the new Bill, there remains a need for the UK Asylum process to be more meaningful, understanding and humane.
We are pleased to see the official Repeal of the (un) (Safety) of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Act 2024, which African Rainbow Family’s No Pride in Deportation campaign sought to abolish. Many of the provisions set out in the Illegal Migration Act 2023 have also been repealed.
We also support the plans to crackdown on organised trafficking gangs who prey on vulnerable people. We are, however, concerned that the new procedures will target those seeking safety, rather than those who are benefiting from the business of human trafficking.
We urge the government to bear in mind that there are many reasons for people seeking asylum, and that there needs to be a better understanding of each individual case. LGBTIQ+ people are fleeing persecution based on their sexual orientation and/or gender identity. It is important that all people are treated with respect and dignity and are not made to feel like their reason for seeking sanctuary is lesser than any other.
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Contacts for press:
Adeniyi Balogun, Refugee Advocacy Lead: adeniyi.balogun@africanrainbowfamily.org
Rebecca Steele, Campaigns and Comms Officer: rebecca.steele@africanrainbowfamily.org
Tel: 0333 335 6326