Newcastle campaigners react to the deaths of 27 people in the English Channel
Anti-racists, refugee and human rights campaigners are set to protest opposite Grey’s Monument this Saturday 27 November from 2PM in response to the tragic loss of life in the English Channel yesterday (24th Nov).
Last updated 25th Nov 2021
Antiracists, refugee and human rights campaigners are set to protest opposite Grey’s Monument this Saturday 27 November from 2PM in response to the tragic loss of life in the English Channel yesterday (24th Nov).
Campaigners argue that tragedies such as today are a direct result of the British Government refusing to allow safe and legal routes for refugees, a situation which will be made worse by the Nationality and Borders bill, said by the UNHCR to “undermine, not promote, the Government’s stated goal of improving protection for those at risk of persecution.”
The protest initiated by Stand Up To Racism - North East will call for the scrapping of the Nationalities & Borders bill and the rapid expansion of safe and legal routes for refugees to enter Britain and claim asylum.
Sabby Dhalu, Stand up to Racism Co-Convenor said:
“Denying those fleeing war and persecution a legal and safe route into the country when most can only claim asylum from inside Britain is a recipe for tragedy. This horrific loss of life could have been avoided if the British Government allowed safe passage for refugees. The situation will worsen if the Nationality and Borders Bill becomes law.
“The only way for further tragedies to be avoided is for the Government to reverse its racist refugee policy, act to provide safe passage and scrap the Nationality and Borders Bill.”
Weyman Bennett from Stand Up To Racism said:
“These tragic deaths are a chilling reminder of what the governments hostile environment for refugees is about. Priti Patel and Boris Johnson have blood on their hands. Those fleeing war, the effects of climate change and poverty must have safe passage”