Received from: PCS
Congress condemns the government’s inhumane plan to transport people seeking asylum in the UK to Rwanda to be housed in offshore detention camps.
Congress notes that Rwandan police have beaten and shot refugees protesting against poor conditions in its camps.
This is a clear attempt by the Tory government to deflect people’s anger over ‘partygate’ and the cost-of-living crisis by scapegoating desperate people trying to find safety.
Congress welcomes the protests called by campaigning organisations and the legal action taken by PCS along with Detention Action, Care4Calais and refugees against the Rwanda policy.
Congress condemns the Nationalities and Borders Act as a vicious piece of legislation designed to whip up racism.
Congress condemns the proposal for a policy of pushback to turn refugees back when they are intercepted on the English Channel. Congress welcomes PCS’s decision to work with Care4Calais to seek a judicial review which forced the abandonment of the policy.
Congress condemns the government’s approach as brutal and racist, and notes that there are barely any legal routes for refugees to reach Britain.
Congress calls on the General Council to:
i. campaign for the repeal of the Nationalities and Borders Act
ii. campaign against the Rwanda asylum policy
iii. campaign, alongside other organisations, for a humane immigration policy that includes safe legal routes for refugees and asylum seekers to enter the UK
iv. support protests being organised against the Act and the Rwandan policy.
Public and Commercial Services Union