The Immigration Bill returns to the House of Commons on Monday, April 25. Some very important amendments will be coming from significant wins in the House of Lords, when it was debated there. ALL MPs need to be lobbied and told how important it is that these amendments are incorporated into what is a terrible Bill, to at least make a difference to many asylum seekers already in the UK, as well as the 3,000 unaccompanied children seeking refuge, already in Europe.
Please do take the time to write, meet, or otherwise lobby your own MP on these issues.
STOP PRESS
The announcement by the Government today about them agreeing to take in 3,000 children, sounds like the move is welcome, (and it is for those children and families) BUT not what needed for those young people who have got to Europe. see http://www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/latest/news/4605_uk_to_resettle_3_000_at_risk_children_with_families Important we reinforce the message that the Lords amendment (Dubs amendment) still needs to be supported by the MPs we are lobbying, 3,000 unaccompanied children already in Europe need to be able to be given safety. Just as the Theresa May announcement about pregnant women not being detained more than 72 hours is a good move but by no means good enough, and MPs must be lobbied to vote for the original amendment (amendment 85) which says NO detention for pregnant women.
If you need any further information on any of the above, please do get in touch. City of Sanctuary have done a briefing, which includes a suggested letter, with suggestions and information here too. Please take note of “STOP PRESS” as above when writing though. It is so very important that as many people as possible let their MP know how strongly you feel on these issues. If you have any personal experience, know people who have (for instance women who have been detained whilst pregnant, asylum seekers with skills needed that cannot work) or are part of an organisation that works with any groups affected, then it will be very effective to talk about this.
So get writing, meeting, facebooking and tweeting !