“They know that their Rwanda plan will never work. That’s not the point. Their intention is to whip up hatred, division & fear.”
Jeremy Corbyn
By Jeremy Corbyn MP
This week, the Tories passed their Rwanda Bill – one of the most appalling pieces of legislation I can remember. Despite repeatedly being told it was in breach of international law, they decided to press ahead with their cruel and callous plan to deport asylum seekers to a country they have never known.
They know that their Rwanda plan will never work. That’s not the point. Their intention is to whip up hatred, division and fear.
Refugees do not make arduous and deadly journeys to the UK for fun. They make huge risks to reach our shores. I’ve been to Calais on several occasions, and each time I learn more about the diabolical conditions facing those who are trying to seek a place of safety. Plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda will not “deter” them from crossing the Channel. It will simply make life even harder for some of the most vulnerable human beings in the world.
The government claims they want to “smash criminal gangs”. Surely, they must realise that people smugglers thrive on the absence of safe and legal routes. By refusing to provide these routes for refugees, the UK is creating the market for people smugglers, by forcing desperate people to search for alternative, more dangerous, means of transit.
Instead of demonising refugees, the government should address the roots of their plight: war, human rights abuses and persecution. I was appalled by the government’s decision to take military action in Yemen, without consulting Parliament. This is one of the poorest regions in the world, with 17 million people living in hunger – and by choosing war over peace, this government is creating the refugees of tomorrow.
Islington North has a proud history of welcoming refugees. We know that refugees have enriched our lives. We know that refugees are scholars, scientists, teachers, doctors and nurses. And we know that refugees are human beings, who deserve to be treated with respect.
The bill may have passed, but the fight isn’t over. I will continue to campaign for a humane asylum system, grounded in compassion, dignity and care. I will continue to defend the human right to asylum. And I will always be grateful to represent a borough where diversity is our greatest strength.
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