Lewisham Labour is extremely concerned that the Home Office has begun to detain people seeking asylum with a view to removing them to Rwanda. As the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, Lewisham Labour stands in solidarity with residents seeking asylum, including those receiving Home Office Notices of Intent for their removal from the UK.
We call on the Government to end this expensive, cruel, and divisive policy, which is causing worry and fear among our sanctuary seekers and across our community.
Lewisham Labour is proud of our track record in challenging the Government’s dangerous and extreme rhetoric. We are also proud of our work with partner organisations in supporting our sanctuary seekers and helping them build new lives here in Lewisham.
Lewisham Council is also working closely with local partners to ensure those at risk of removal can get the support and information they need during this extremely distressing time.
People seeking asylum are welcome in Lewisham and are part of our community. We will not let that community be divided.
The Rwanda Bill is nothing more than an expensive election stunt. Tories want flights off the ground before a general election to deflect from their record of 14 years of failure and decline. Processing just 300 asylum seekers will cost the taxpayer over half a billion pounds. The suffering they will inflict on asylum seekers here in our community will be immeasurable.
It’s time they stopped playing with people’s lives, listened to the millions who rejected their divisive and failed politics in the recent local elections, and called a general election.
The following organisations offer advice and support to anyone detained for removal to Rwanda or in receipt of a Notice of Intent or inadmissibility decision:
- Action for Refugees in Lewisham (AFRIL) – advice and advocacy support: 0208 297 4111 / info@afril.org.uk
- Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants: 0207 553 7472 / info@jcwi.org.uk (Monday/Tuesday/Thursday 10am-1pm)
- Detention Action: 0800 587 2096
- Bail for Immigration Detainees: 020 7456 9750 (Monday -Thursday 10am-12pm)
- Care4Calais Rwanda: 07519 773268 (WhatsApp)
- Care4Calais Detention: 0800 009 6268
- Gatwick Detainees Welfare Group: 0800 389 4367
- Joint Council for Welfare of Immigrants: 0800 160 1004
- Wilson Solicitors LLP: 0208 808 7535 / rwandareferrals@wilsonllp.co.uk
- Duncan Lewis Solicitors: 02072752570 / toufiqueh@duncanlewis.com
- Rainbow Migration- for queer and trans people facing removal: 020 7922 7811 / hello@rainbowmigration.org.uk