We’re horrified by recent reports of conditions at Manston asylum processing centre and by the recent violence at Dover.
The vast majority of people who come here via a dangerous small boat crossing do so to seek protection. That someone who has fled war, terror or persecution could be met with more violence, or serious health risks, on our shores is shameful.
Afghanistan is one of the top countries people making small boat crossings come from. There is no functioning safe and legal route, like a resettlement programme, available to people fleeing the Taliban. Yet the UK Government is pressing ahead with its plans to criminalise people who are forced to seek safety via a route like this after paying lip service to protecting Afghans last summer.
We are concerned that conditions like those at Manston are not news to this Home Secretary. Over recent months and years we have seen more and more evidence of shocking conditions in institutional accommodation like this and the devastating consequences they have on people’s wellbeing. The UK Government’s inaction is negligent.
I was proud to stand with over 100 other organisations and charities today and call for the Home Secretary to act urgently to create safe routes to sanctuary and tackling the backlog in asylum claims. With mounting evidence like this, the UK Government cannot afford to ignore our calls for humanity any longer.
UK Government ministers must act now and set out solutions clearly to avoid more suffering.
