Ministers challenged on Channel crossings
Quakers in Britain join other faith bodies and human rights campaigners to call for change
The representative body for Quakers in Britain joined faith bodies and human rights campaigners in urging the government to end dangerous Channel crossings by introducing safe and legal routes of entry to the UK.
In a letter to Priti Patel, the home secretary, the campaigners say no one should have to risk their lives seeking protection in the UK, but safe routes are almost non-existent.
The letter seeks the full implementation of the Windrush Lessons Learned Review. It warns that the ‘pattern of ignoring expert advice, failing to engage with civil society, and branding migrants as criminal’ replicates Home Office failings that caused the 2018 Windrush scandal.
Paul Parker, recording clerk for Britain Yearly Meeting (BYM), signed the letter which says: ‘Instead of taking a compassionate approach and listening to affected communities and experts, Ministers, the Prime Minister and Home Office officials have responded by seeking to discredit experts, lawyers, and others who have warned of dangerous consequences to the government’s approach.’
