The New Dark Age

'Socialism or Barbarism'

UK: We’re no island of strangers

Thursday, 15 May 2025 — Refugee Legal Support

Earlier this week, the UK government launched its immigration white paper. The prime minister warned of Britain becoming “an island of strangers” and referred to the period of increased migration as a “squalid chapter”.

We don’t recognise the country described here. Nor will anyone who has lived alongside, worked with, or supported people seeking safety or opportunity here. We stand with our friends, colleagues, neighbours, family and everyone else who feels a little less safe and a bit less at home this week.
We know why the government is doing this. They’re scared of the threat from their right and hope that they can see them off by dressing up in their clothes.

We’ve already seen that this won’t work. Across Europe and beyond the far right has been strengthened rather than beaten back by this approach.
The white paper points to changes that will hurt real people. We’re especially worried about suggested changes to family reunion. There are few routes available and they have narrow requirements. But, it’s currently possible for families to apply to be reunited where they’re unable to meet the strict requirements if they’re deeply impacted by separation. These potential changes would make this harder. It’ll be tougher than ever for vulnerable families and divided communities separated by war or persecution to live together safely in the UK.

But this is about more than policy. It emboldens those who wish to marginalise anyone not born in the UK and scapegoats migrants for unrelated political failures. We’ve seen where this leads. Last summer’s racist riots should act as a warning.

This government likes to present itself as the grown ups in the room. But being an adult sometimes requires courage. It means standing up for those being bullied, not siding with the bullies.
In solidarity,

Nick and the RLS team
We’re currently running an urgent fundraising appeal so we can continue standing with people on the move. If you’re able to help, you can make a pledge here: https://www.crowdjustice.com/case/support-people-on-the-move-to-resist-cruelty/
,
barovsky's avatar

Posted by:

barovsky

Leave a comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.