Each Friday, we bring you a roundup of how our work is having an impact on both local communities and the national conversation. Read on to find out more…
The deadliest year on record
Diane Taylor, writing in the Guardian, cited a recent report from the Refugee Council which showed that 2024 was the deadliest year on record for Channel crossings. In her article, Taylor says that the Government must “start being honest and looking at the issue holistically.”
Electronic tagging found to be ineffective
Our Policy Officer, Woodren Brade, was quoted in this Independent article, which explored a recent government report which found that electronic tagging of asylum seekers is ineffective and doesn’t stop people absconding from immigration bail. Woodren said:
We hope these findings mark an end to electronic tagging in the asylum system once and for all. Using this invasive technology to track and control people’s every move makes no difference to reporting rates, and it is detrimental to refugees’ mental health, relationships, and ability to rebuild their lives with dignity.
2024 was the deadliest year on record for Channel crossings
Refugee Integration
In response to this recent piece in The Telegraph, our CEO, Enver Solomon, wrote this letter to the Telegraph (under the heading “Support for Refugees”). In his letter, Enver states that:
The Government quickly needs to set out its plans for refugee integration, including English language provision and pathways to work, so that men, women and children who have fled war and terror can rebuild their lives.
Lifting the ban
Enver was also quoted in this article from The Times, which looked at the recent advice from Professor Brian Bell, chairman of the Migration Advisory Committee. He urged the Government to lift the ban on people seeking asylum being allowed to work while they wait for their claim to be processed. Enver said the following:
Refugees are doctors and nurses, engineers and computer scientists. They are people with a huge amount to give to Britain, and they want to do just that.
If we want refugees to play a part in our country, to contribute to our communities and rebuild purposeful lives, then we need to give them a fair shot: that means giving them the right to work, and making the most of their skills and abilities.
We’ll be back next week with more news! In the meantime, take a look at our blog for more news, stories and information.■
