Bremain in Spain are strongly opposed to the Home Office’s latest immigration proposals. Not only are the proposals cruel, divisive and extreme, but they are likely to cause resident migrants unnecessary disquiet, even fear. In addition, they will have little or no impact on immigration levels, or on small boat numbers in particular.
At a time when net UK migration is falling, and there are significant skills shortages across a number of industries, the proposals do nothing to resolve these issues. Nor do they tackle the real issues surrounding immigration, namely the lack of safe routes for asylum seekers or the threat posed by people smugglers to the most vulnerable refugees.
The proposed changes to immigration policy – which are worthy of the far-right – have been lauded by both Nigel Farage and Tommy Robinson.
What is the Home Office proposing?
The measures recently announced by the Home Secretary, Shabana Mahmood, include plans to:
- Make refugee status temporary
- Enforce returns to “safe” countries
- Redefine “family” status
- Seize asylum seekers’ jewellery
- Prevent migrants from claiming benefits
- Force migrants to wait longer for “settled status”, in some cases up to 20 years
You can read the full “Restoring Order and Control” proposals here
Want to share your thoughts with the Home Office on the proposals? Complete the survey here
Widespread opposition
The proposals could see ICE-style raids in the UK, a further exodus of NHS staff and risk negating protections provided by the European Court of Human Rights. It is no wonder then that it has been widely condemned by citizens rights’ campaigners, including Amnesty International, Lord Alf Dubbs and even numerous Labour MPs.
There is a better way
As we say in our Mission statement, “we stand firmly against far-right nationalism and promote the values of tolerance, inclusion, and equality.”
Bremain believes that immigration is not only essential for economic growth, but that multiculturalism enhances our society and enriches our lives.
For those of us fortunate to live in Spain, we have witnessed the benefits of immigration first hand, and seen the impact on the Spanish economy of a more tolerant, open-minded approach.
Members comments
We’d like to thank all members who shared their own thoughts on the new policy.
“The idea that people with refugee status could be forced to return to their home country if it becomes safe appalls me. Imagine a situation whereby a person could make a life in the UK, forge a career, fall in love, marry, raise a family, etc., only to be told after 5, 10, 20 years that they will be returned to a country now deemed to be safe. How can this be right?” – Ruth Woodhouse
“My view is that the new proposals are far too harsh for refugees. People who are in danger if they return to their country of origin, and those wanting to join close family in the UK should also be automatically accepted. The government are competing with Reform, to see who can treat these poor people more harshly.” – Debbie Black
“Asylum seekers are legally entitled to claim asylum under international law and have their applications processed fairly. Immigration has played a massive role in the UK’s development throughout history. My great grandmother was from Ireland. Sick and tired of the far right leading the agenda with Labour mirroring everything Reform say.” – Rob Nay
“What is being proposed is inhumane and one should consider what would happen if the situation was reversed and we were seeking Asylum. The government should stop trying to pander to the far-right racists because for them nothing is too extreme and maybe focus on improving everyone’s lives.” – Mark Whorlow
“Advertising the fact that access to benefits will be restricted to British citizens is horrifying! It will have a hugely detrimental effect by discouraging anyone from moving to the UK in the future, at a time when the UK needs immigration owing to a declining birth rate, vacancies in the NHS, the care sector and hospitality. The ‘hostile environment” created by May and subsequent HO Ministers serves no purpose.” – Michael Soffe
“Labour have shot themselves in the foot trying to outdo Reform in tackling immigration. The majority of the UK do not support Reform. The government’s approach should be humane, looking especially at the Spanish model, and at the same time crush the lies spread about asylum seekers by educating people on their plight, living conditions in hotels and funding. And of course, if we were in the EU things would be so different.” – Anon
“I used the “additional information” box in the government questionnaire to point out that it is largely biased against immigration, with no questions asking if we think the immigration process should be made easier and less intimidating. The overall impression given is that immigration is bad and something needs to be done to drastically reduce it. Same old same old.” – Claire Monks
“I am still in shock that a UK Labour government should propose such drastic changes. They don’t differentiate between refugees (who are never illegal until their asylum claim is processed) and migrants! Disgraceful right-wing incitement!” – Magdalena Williams
“They must put something in the tea at the Home Office – first Yvette, now Shabana. Disgusting.” – John Gaskell
Just when you think things can’t get any worse, along comes another Home Secretary, hell bent on proving she is tougher, more divisive, and even crueller than any of her predecessors. In the process, Labour have thrown the last remnants of their philosophy straight out of the Home Office window.
While Labour’s time in office continues to cause dismay, I really wasn’t expecting anything quite so nasty or extreme as the latest immigration plans. It’s no wonder Starmer is now the most unpopular PM ever, even taking into account Johnson, Truss and Cameron.
It’s clear the Government’s leaders have lost their way, their common sense, and their bottle. As they continue to waste time and energy chasing far-right policies, they seem unable to join the dots and grasp the reasons for their declining support.
There’s no doubt that the UK asylum system needs a major overhaul. This is not the way to do it. We, as migrants, must stand firm at the side of others, many with far more desperate and pressing reasons for seeking a new life in a new country.
Britain used to be known as a tolerant, welcoming society that embraced multi-culturalism, compassion and fairness. It can be again, but we have to work at it. There’ll never be a better time to fight than right now.
Sue Wilson – Chair
