Morally reprehensible: A statement on the Home Secretary's speech

The speech used by the Home Secretary at the Conservative party conference to denounce people seeking asylum and to share her ‘dream’ to see the front page of a newspaper showing a flight taking off to Rwanda is morally reprehensible.

It is another blatant attempt by those in power to distract from the economic crisis unfolding, which this Government bears responsibility for. Scapegoating people seeking asylum at a time when it politically suits a government to do so is sadly nothing new, and while it is disgraceful that this Government attempts to once again manipulate the British public into demonising those in need of protection, it does not surprise us that it will do all it can to distract attention away from its failings.

Speaking in response to the Home Secretary’s speech, Ros Holland, Chief Executive of The Boaz Trust, said: “For far too long successive governments have stirred up animosity towards people seeking asylum by trying to convince the public that these are the people responsible for society’s problems or economic hardships. 

“Seeking asylum is a basic human right and a person has the legal right to have their claim heard. Any proposition that suggests that a person or people can simply be refused that right and sent back is both unlawful and preposterous. It is another example of how this Government, and previous UK Governments, showboat cruel performative policies when it serves the purpose of saving their political skins. 

“There are currently no safe and legal routes available to people seeking asylum in the UK, which is arguably why so many people put their lives into the hands of smugglers and attempt to cross the Channel in small boats. 

“We know that the majority of people who claim asylum in the UK have their claims upheld. In the year ending June 2022, 76% of initial decisions made resulted in a grant of asylum or humanitarian protection. (Refugee Council).

“We believe that the majority of the British public would like to see people seeking asylum treated fairly and compassionately, and that they recognise a smokescreen when they see one. As an organisation that works with people consistently marginalised by society and decision makers, we will redouble our efforts to work for justice.”