Last Wednesday on the 8th December Ruth Cadbury MP voted against the Government's Nationality and Borders Bill at its third reading in the House of Commons.
The Nationality and Borders bill is a new piece of legislation in relation to the UK’s asylum system. Numerous critics such as the Joint Council for the Welfare of Refugees have warned that this measure, along with other elements of the bill, would breach the UK’s international commitments to refugees.
Speaking after the bill passed through the House of Commons, Ruth said,
‘‘The Governments nationality and borders bill is simply inhumane.
Rather than focusing on how to support vulnerable people who are seeking refuge this bill will see the Government abandon our historic commitment to supporting refugees. The UK has historically played a leading role in supporting refugees and asylum seekers- whether that was through the Kindertransport program to welcome Jewish children in the 1930s, or providing asylum to East African Asians in the 1960s and 70s. This bill sees our Government turning its back on this tradition. I also know that many people locally are extremely concerned about Clause 9 of this bill-which would give greater powers for the Government to strip citizenship from individuals in the UK
The Governments own policies such as the bungled withdrawal from Afghanistan, the decision to cut overseas aid have all contributed to the instability and turmoil we’ve seen across the world.
I’m proud of the work done locally by groups such as Refugees Welcome Hounslow, who’ve done amazing work to support refugees, including those arriving from Syria. It’s beyond frustrating that our Government are not doing more to support community groups and councils such as Hounslow who are supporting refugees, including individuals who’ve recently arrived from Afghanistan.
I will continue to campaign for our Government to show some compassion and provide safe, legal routes for those fleeing war, persecution and oppression across the world.’’