More than two hundred community groups from across the United Kingdom have issued a stark warning to the Home Secretary, urging her not to enact 'cruel and ruthless' plans to overhaul the nation's asylum system. In an open letter, the 225 signatories accused Shabana Mahmood of playing into the hands of those seeking to sow division.
Communities Unite in Rejection
The coalition, which includes charities, faith groups, sports clubs, and arts organisations, delivered a powerful rebuke to policies unveiled by the Home Secretary last month. Mahmood's proposed changes aim to tackle what the government calls bogus claims and reduce Channel crossings. Key measures include ending permanent refugee protection, speeding up the removal of families with children whose claims fail, and scrapping the legal duty to support destitute asylum seekers.
The plans would also formally terminate the automatic right to family reunion for refugees, a provision that was suspended in September. The groups, however, argue that the proposed system betrays British values of compassion.
A System 'For a Simpler Era'
In the policy paper, Shabana Mahmood defended the need for reform, stating: 'This country’s asylum system was designed for an earlier and simpler era and has not been updated to reflect our changing times.' Prime Minister Keir Starmer echoed this in the foreword, arguing there is 'nothing compassionate about allowing the vile trade in people smuggling.'
The signatories strongly contest this framing. Their letter states: 'In communities up and down the country, we are proud to show warmth and kindness to refugees … We know that your cruel new plans do not represent us, our communities or who we are as a country.' They emphasise that refugees enrich communities and need support to heal from trauma, not further hostility.
Solidarity Events and Public Action
The letter was coordinated by the Together With Refugees coalition. Campaigners from some of the signatory groups were expected to demonstrate outside the Home Office on Friday. This precedes a nationwide week of 'Communities Together for Refugees' solidarity events, featuring Christmas markets, craft sessions, and performances. The public is being encouraged to print and display posters in support.
Minda Burgos-Lukes of the Together With Refugees network commented: 'The far right marches and attempts to spread fear do not reflect what we witness on the ground.' The signatories include a wide range of organisations such as the African and Caribbean Support Organisation Northern Ireland, Fairtrade Greater Manchester, Govan Community Project, and numerous City of Sanctuary groups from Birmingham to Norwich.
The groups concluded their plea by calling on political leaders to end divisive rhetoric, stating: 'Now is not the time to play into the hands of those seeking to build division between local communities and refugees.'
