We are deeply troubled by the government’s proposed changes to the asylum system. We agree with the analysis from our colleagues at City of Sanctuary UK, the umbrella organisations we are proud members of, who stated that:

The proposed changes to the UK’s asylum system represent a fundamental shift away from protection toward permanent insecurity.

We continue to stand in solidarity with all people who seek sanctuary in Calderdale, and we urge the UK government to:

• Maintain meaningful pathways to permanent protection for refugees
• Ensure people seeking asylum have adequate support and the right to work
• Make decisions fairly and promptly
• Invest in integration, not deterrence
• Listen to the communities who are building welcome, not those stoking division

Read the full statement from City of Sanctuary UK here.