Upbeat's Response to the UK Government's Illegal Migration Bill

We are saddened that the Illegal Migration Bill has now been passed. This will have a devastating impact on those who have already fled devastation and war, and will now effectively be punished because of the way they arrived in the UK — when very few safe and legal routes actually exist. Chief Executive Andrew Jackson shared a statement on behalf of Upbeat Communities.

We are extremely disappointed and frustrated that this horrible piece of legislation has been passed by the government. In essence, this bill prevents the vast majority of people arriving in the UK from claiming asylum, a right that should be upheld as a signatory to the UN Refugee Convention.

Demonising and dehumanising those seeking safety and protection in the UK is a shameful response, and doesn’t reflect the views of many people in this country.

We believe we are a compassionate, welcoming nation who want to support those most vulnerable, and we have seen that in the response of the British people to those fleeing places like Syria and Ukraine.

We must do better; we are better than this; and we need to keep fighting for the rights of those seeking sanctuary to ensure they get the support they need and are able to rebuild their lives in safety.

Andrew Jackson — Chief Executive

Click here to read an article by Refugee Council Chief Executive Enver Solomon about the horrific consequences the Illegal Migration Bill will have on people seeking safety in this country — particularly children.

Click here for a helpful explainer article on the bill.