We are encouraging our members to write to their MPs before Tuesday, 7 December, asking them to support the amendments listed below to the Nationality and Borders bill.
Recent headlines share the harrowing stories of men, women and children drowning in the English Channel in search of a life free from persecution and exploitation. Jesus calls those who love Him to love our neighbours and care for the needs of others. We can do this not only through providing aid and support, but also through influencing legislation.
For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home - Matthew 25:35 (NLT)
The Nationality and Borders bill has been discussed and scrutinised in parliament for the past four months. It is a government-led legislation that seeks to reform and amend the UK’s immigration, asylum and refugee system. We believe that the bill as it currently stands creates an unjust and discriminatory system.
Our asylum, immigration and refugee system is in desperate need of reform. Regardless of the level of immigration into the UK, our system and structures should treat all people with dignity and value, reflecting that we are all created in God’s image.
On Tuesday, 7 December and Wednesday, 8 December, MPs will gather to debate and propose final amendments before the bill moves over to the House of Lords for further scrutiny. We are encouraging our members to write to their MP asking them to support these proposed amendments:
- Amendment 8 proposed by Tim Farron MP and Alistair Carmichael MP (Liberal Democrats) seeks to remove the differential treatment of asylum seekers based on how they enter the UK. We believe the creation of a two-tier asylum system is inhumane and is hostile towards those in need of our care and support, particularly those who have fled religious persecution and conflict. It is frequently those at greatest risk and in the most need who resort to the most dangerous routes, and yet they would be the ones discriminated against.
The government should focus on creating more safe and legal routes for people experiencing persecution to seek refuge in the UK.
- Amendment 9 proposed by David Davis MP (Conservative) seeks to remove paragraphs 1 and 2 in Schedule 3 that would lead to those seeking asylum being removed from the UK and their applications processed in a “safe country”. We are very concerned by the possibility of individuals being sent to a “safe country” where they would not have the same freedoms to practise their religion and other beliefs. At present the government does not have any agreements with other countries and until it does, parliament cannot guarantee that an individual’s right to life, freedom of thought, conscience and religious belief are protected.
It is our view that the Home Office should publish a list of safe third countries for parliament to scrutinise and vote on ahead of the law being finalised.
Parliament has an opportunity to establish a new asylum, refugee and immigration system that leads the world in its treatment of people seeking asylum and refuge.
Write to your MP now asking them to support these selected amendments and to push the government to enable local authorities to better support those seeking asylum.
