North East landmarks lit in orange in opposition of Government Borders bill
Together with Refugees are holding a day of action across the North East to show solidarity with refugees
Landmarks across the North East will be lit in Orange today - to show solidarity with refugees.
Many groups across the region are taking part in a day of action which has been organised by Together With Refugees.
They are hoping to encourage politicians not to back the proposed Borders and Nationality Bill in Parliament tomorrow.
Landmarks including Penshaw Monument, Gateshead Millennium Bridge and Spanish City in Whitley Bay will be lit orange to show solidarity for people fleeing war and persecution.
The day of action, organised by Together With Refugees, comes at a critical time as the conflict in Ukraine has resulted in over 3 million refugees and MPs are set to vote on the Nationality and Borders Bill.
The day of action, organised by Together With Refugees, comes at a critical time as the conflict in Ukraine has resulted in over 3 million refugees and MPs are set to vote on the Nationality and Borders Bill.
Councillor Martin Gannon, leader of Gateshead Council, said: “Gateshead is proud to show its support for the Together With Refugees national day of action.
“The conflict in Ukraine has made it as clear as ever that essential humanitarian aid must be available to those who need it most, without government legislation making it extremely difficult for those in need to find respite in the UK.
“By supporting the campaign, we hope to raise awareness of the critical work Together With Refugees are doing in both challenging the Nationality and Borders Bill and supporting refugees from around the world arrive in the UK safely.”
A series of events across the region will take place on the day of action, including a rally outside the Spanish City in Whitley Bay.
At the rally, elected Mayor Norma Redfearn will join speakers from local refugee charities, children from Marine Park First School as well as people who have lived experience of the asylum system for live music, poetry and speeches.
Penny Henry, Whitley Bay Event Organiser, said: “This will be an opportunity for people in North Tyneside to come together to show their support for Ukrainian refugees as well as other people seeking sanctuary.
The government’s proposed legislation falls far short of offering asylum seekers the protection they deserve. The current war in Ukraine has highlighted the need for a humanitarian response more than ever before.”
“We want our MP to back amendments to the Nationality and Borders so that refugees are assessed on their need for protection, not on how they arrived here and the UK government commits to resettle 10,000 refugees from all around the world every year.”
David* who is seeking sanctuary in North Tyneside, said: “The New Nationality and Borders Bill does not treat us as humans. It will criminalise us for seeking safety. The system is already very difficult, we cannot work, we wait years for a decision, we live on very little money. We want to rebuild our lives in a safe place. This new bill will not improve anything, it will make things worse.”
Norma Redfearn CBE, Elected Mayor of North Tyneside, said:
“North Tyneside Council is committed to providing safety and sanctuary to anyone who needs it and we are ready to welcome Ukrainian families into our Borough once the Government has confirmed their plans and the support available.
“The Government should be doing everything they can to support all asylum seekers, regardless of how and when they arrive into our country, rather than building barriers intended to prevent them from achieving the safety and support they need.”
*Using a different name to protect their identity.