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14
Mar 2023
Illegal Migration Bill the hot topic at Ripon meeting this week
The contentious Illegal Migration Bill announced last week by Home Secretary Suella Braverman will come under the spotlight in Ripon on Thursday.
The bill says it aims to “prevent and deter unlawful migration, and in particular migration by unsafe and illegal routes, by requiring the removal from the United Kingdom of certain persons who enter or arrive in the United Kingdom in breach of immigration control”.
Ms Braverman said the bill "will allow us to stop the boats that are bringing tens of thousands to our shores in flagrant breach of both our laws and the will of the British people".
But it was described by the Archbishop of York, the Most Revd Stephen Cottrell as 'immoral and inept'.
Now it will be discussed at a meeting arranged by Ripon City of Sanctuary.
The organisation, which was established in 2016, is part of the national network of City of Sanctuary groups that promote a culture of welcome for asylum-seekers and refugees.
In an invitation to supporters, chair Nicola David said this week's meeting would explain what the bill really means. RCOS will also provide an update on work it is doing to help families who have resettled locally.
Ms David said:
Linton campaign
Last August RCOS was part of the campaign group which achieved a victory against the Home Office and then Home Secretary Priti Patel, when the government had to abandon its plan to place 1,500 asylum-seekers at Linton-on-Ouse – a village of 700 people just outside the Harrogate district.
Ms David said:
In addition to its campaigning activities, RCOS has been working to help asylum-seeking veterinary surgeons to pass their UK ‘conversion’ exams, ensuring their exam fees are waived and providing grants towards the cost of their studies.
The programme also includes clothing collections, engagement with around 15 local schools to help raise a generation of young people who understand refugee issues, matching Ukrainians with hosts, and providing specialist support in some cases.
Ms David added:
The meeting will be held at Thorpe Prebend House, which is behind the cathedral on High St Agnesgate at 7.30pm. Light refreshments are being provided by Ripon Cathedral's C3 group.
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