London draws huge strength from the contribution of migrants and refugees who make London their home.
The London Assembly is concerned about the Nationality and Borders Bill and deems the offshoring of individuals as inhumane and in violation of the principle of the UN Refugee Convention, which states that we must grant people a fair hearing on UK soil.
Today the Assembly has called on the Chair and the Mayor to write to the Government opposing the offshoring of people seeking refuge in the UK to Rwanda.
Zack Polanski AM, who proposed the motion said:
“The treatment of people fleeing war, famine and persecution in Rwanda is only adding to the UK’s appalling record when it comes to refugees.
“We should be extending hospitality – not hostility to people who are escaping oppressive and life-threatening regimes they are currently facing.
“This motion calls on the Mayor and Chair of the Assembly to condemn the Government’s harmful Nationality and Borders Bill on behalf of Londoners to protect asylum seekers from Rwanda. The Government's own reports make clear that LGBITQA+ refugees cannot be guaranteed safety in Rwanda.
“We should be embracing – not expelling – people who have given up everything yet have so much to give.”
Sakina Sheikh AM, who seconded the motion said:
“What makes our city great is its openness and diversity. London is open, refugees are welcome. I’m appalled by inhumane Government plans to send asylum seekers fleeing war, violence and persecution to Rwanda for ‘processing’.
The Nationality Bill could also see two in five people from ethnic minority backgrounds stripped of their British citizenship with no warning. It could make a huge swathe of Londoners second-class citizens in their country. Ministers have learnt nothing from the Windrush scandal.
It’s vital the UK remains open and welcoming to refugees. We must say no to this dangerous and divisive Bill and demand they put an end to this cruel deal with Rwanda.”
The full text of the motion is:
This Assembly is concerned that the Government’s Nationality and Borders Bill, which has become law, includes plans to send asylum seekers to Rwanda.
The main concerns are:
- People who cross the Channel seeking refuge and asylum will be taken to an RAF base in Yorkshire before being sent 4,500 miles away to Rwanda for 'processing'; and
- Offshoring asylum processing for those who have fled war, violence, famine and persecution is inhumane and cruel. This plan violates the principle of the UN Refugee Convention, of which the UK was a founding signatory, which states that we must “grant people a fair hearing on UK soil”.
The Assembly notes that London draws huge strength from the contribution of migrants and refugees who make London their home. The GLA convenes the Migrant and Refugee Advisory Panel (MRAP) comprising 24 member organisations, including the Refugee Council, Liberty and the UK Lesbian & Gay Immigration Group.
The Assembly notes the previous motion of 10 February 2022 when the Assembly condemned the Government’s Nationality and Borders Bill, and called on both the Chair of the Assembly and the Mayor of London to each write separately to the Home Secretary to express its condemnation of this Bill on behalf of Londoners.
This Assembly now calls on the Mayor and Chair of the Assembly to do the same with respect to this disastrous plan, by writing to Government to say no to offshoring people seeking refuge and to demand the end of the deal with Rwanda.”
Notes to editors
- Watch the full webcast.
- The motion was agreed by 18 votes for and 2 votes against.
- Zack Polanski AM, who proposed the motion is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Lisa Lam on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer.