A Routes’ Statement

We are outraged by the government’s unprecedented plans for asylum system reforms. If implemented, these policies will create significant uncertainty and harm for people seeking protection, and undoubtedly contribute to greater divisions in our communities.

For a clear summary of the proposed changes to the UK asylum system and the serious impacts they’ll have on asylum-seeking and refugee women, please see Women for Refugee Women’s response. 

It is clear that these policy reforms would deny people seeking safety the necessary stability, security and support to successfully start a new life and integrate in the UK. There is no evidence that such measures deter people from seeking asylum, which is so often the justification given by governments for adopting policies like these. Rather, these proposals will increase the risk of people falling through the gaps, becoming more vulnerable to destitution, exploitation and abuse. These are people who have already survived war, persecution, torture and trafficking – they deserve protection, not prolonged insecurity.

We must uphold our moral and ethical obligations to welcome people seeking safety. Yes, our asylum system needs reform - but it must be compassionate, fair and efficient. A just system is one that treats people with dignity, provides more safe routes, includes meaningful safeguards, and enables people to integrate, contribute and thrive. 

Asylum seekers and refugees are not, and never have been, the cause of the UK’s social and economic inequalities. It has never been more important to amplify evidence-based counter-narratives that challenge the inaccuracy and damaging assumptions behind this sentiment. The ‘Welcoming Growth’ report by PCS and Together With Refugees demonstrates that a fair and humane asylum system would enable refugees to better contribute to our society, as well as our economy, thus challenging the pervasive narrative of refugees draining public resources. 

“Every refugee accepted into the UK would contribute over £260,000 to the UK economy if fair and humane asylum policies were adopted” - ‘Welcome Growth’ report

At Routes, we see every day the extraordinary contributions made by asylum-seeking and refugee women - their resilience, their commitment to learning and working, and the powerful relationships they build. Ultimately, they make our society more inclusive, compassionate and stronger. 

We stand with everyone affected by these proposed reforms and by the hostile language that surrounds this debate. Protecting refugee rights is protecting human rights, upholding the values we aspire to as a society. We are proud of the contributions refugees have made to the UK, and we will keep fighting for a system that says clearly: you are welcome, you belong.

As Women for Refugee Women say: Not In Our Name.

We stand against these reforms — and we urge you to stand with us.