MigrationMillions from around the world are forced to flee their own countries as a result of wars and conflict, human rights abuses and political repression as well as poverty and starvation.
Global warming will increase the numbers of people unable to sustain themselves where they live. Some seek political asylum, others economic and physical survival.
Respect rejects the notion that migrants and asylum seekers are a burden on society, or that Britain is full up and cannot take any more people. The great majority of those who seek refuge do so in other poor countries near their own.
The rich countries, including Britain, are well placed to protect some of the world’s most oppressed and vulnerable people. Such people make a major contribution to their host countries providing they are allowed to work and are free from discrimination.
New Labour has continued the worst aspects of Tory policy such as the denial of the right to work; dispersal; detention centres and greatly increased deportations. Indefinite leave to remain, for a long time a way to eventual refugee status, is being removed and replaced by “temporary leave to remain”.
That means that for up to five years a refugee can be returned to their country of origin at any time if the position there “improves”. The hated voucher system for food is being reintroduced.
RESPECT SAYS:- Defend the rights of refugees to political asylum; oppose legislation designed to further undermine it.
- End the criminalisation of asylum seekers; end detention; end the tagging of asylum seekers.
- End the policy of dispersal.
- Reinstate the right of asylum seekers to seek employment; an amnesty for all “illegal workers”.
- End the White List of “safe” countries and end deportations.
- Give asylum seekers and refugees the right to food and shelter, plus access to education, health and social services.
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