London, UK, March 7, 2023 — Laura Kyrke-Smith, Executive Director of the International Rescue Committee UK, says:
“There is not a shred of compassion for the people at the heart of this Bill. Men, women and children fleeing worsening conflict, violence and persecution around the world, from Afghanistan to Syria. They are in desperate need of safety now. But they are also people with great potential who will make important contributions to our economy and society. Recent International Rescue Committee/YouGov polling shows two thirds of the public back more support for refugees to integrate.
There is a compassionate and effective alternative to the Bill. First, expand safe routes for those who need them. Second, fix the asylum system to ensure that claims are heard fairly and decisions are made quickly. Third, double down on diplomatic and humanitarian engagement to alleviate the crises that cause people to flee in the first place.”