The BBC is reporting that the Labour Government has “toughened up rules making it almost impossible for a refugee who arrives in the UK on a small boat to become a British citizen.“
New guidance states that anyone who enters the UK illegally having made a dangerous journey, which could be via boat, but also by means such as hiding in a vehicle,will normally be refused citizenship, regardless of the time that has passed.
This move has rightly been condemned by some Labour MPs and the Refugee Council who said:
“This change flies in the face of reason. The British public want refugees who have been given safety in our country to integrate into and contribute to their new communities, so it makes no sense for the Government to erect more barriers.
“We know that men women and children who are refugees want to feel part of the country that has given them a home, and support to rebuild their lives. So many refugees over many generations have become proud hard working British citizens as doctors, entrepreneurs and other professionals. Becoming a British citizen has helped them give back to their communities and this should be celebrated, not prevented. We urge ministers to urgently reconsider.”
FVRSG is disappointed in the Government’s actions and says:
FVRSG are asking why this government is continuing with the hostile and divisive language of previous governments?
With all the wars, climate changes, water and food crisis, there will be more and more people moving to search for a safe place to live. We are going to write to our government and ask for a more compassionate, thoughtful response to the tragedies that occur crossing the channel.
It is safe and legal routes that will stop the small boats crossing and therefore the illegal trade in people trafficking.
The move is also going against the recommendations of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, which published a report only last week with many recommendations to help refugees settle in the UK, such as opening safe routes to allow refugees to come to the UK without having to risk their lives taking dangerous, “illegal” routes.
The latest announcement has come only days after reports that the Reform UK Party Limited is top of many polls in the UK. It is clearly an attempt to win over Reform voters.
The UK should be showing leadership and welcoming refugees into the country to allow them to rebuild their lives, instead of demonising them to attempt to score cheap political points.