The former Welfare Reform minster has described two of his own policies as “excrescences” that were made into law because they were popular. The phrase “Performative Cruelty” has been used to describe such policies and most recently in describing the treatment of refugees. Here Paul asks if or when …
Welcoming Environment
Why the UK is setting itself up to struggle in response to conflict in Afghanistan
Yesterday, MPs returned from their recess to the UK parliament to debate the UK’s action in Afghanistan. There was widespread criticism from both sides of the house, and questions were raised about the UK’s course of action over the last week. The government have also confirmed that a scheme …
A collection of resources and events for refugee week
This week is Refugee Week, a UK-wide festival celebrating the contributions, creativity and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. As churches, we want to see a world and a society which welcomes the stranger, treating asylum seekers and refugees with dignity and decency. This …
Welcoming the Stranger: Refugee Week 2021
This week is Refugee Week: a week-long festival celebrating the contribution, creativity, and resilience of refugees and people seeking sanctuary. Refugee weeks says its vision is for refugees and asylum seekers to be able to live safely within inclusive and resilient communities, where …
The New Plan for Immigration
The Government’s recently published New Plan for Immigration gives details about a long-promised overhaul of the asylum system. The proposals are described as aiming to increase the fairness of the asylum system and deter illegal entry into the UK. However, many of the measures risk creating more …
Responding to the New Plan For Immigration Consultation
The UK Government has opened a 6 week consultation on the 'New Plan for Immigration' proposals, which will end on 6th May 2021. They are inviting individual contributions, and collective responses from organisations. We are encouraging everyone who is able to respond to the consultation. Here …
Church leaders welcome government commitment to review hostile environment policies
Church leaders welcome government commitment to review hostile environment policies Responding to the announcement that the government has committed to implementing all the recommendations of the independent report into the Windrush scandal, senior leaders of the Baptist, Methodist and United …
Journeys of Hope: Masood’s Story
Journeys of Hope: Masood’s story During #RefugeeWeek we’re listening to the stories and experiences of those who have journeyed across the world to seek safety. Masood’s story reminds us of the importance of creating an environment where we welcome the stranger. Where did you come …
Journeys of Hope
Refugee Week 2020 For many refugees and asylum seekers, the journey they have been on has been one of hope. Hope for change, hope for refuge, hope to be reunited with those they love. This Refugee Week, we want to highlight some of these stories. At a time when it can be …
Being Brought Home
Didn’t the same God who made me, make them? (Job 31:15 – The Message) It was welcome news to many British Citizens and their families when, last week, the Foreign Office announced a deal with the airline industry to bring home thousands of stranded tourists struggling to get home …