Demonstrators Condemn Proposed Legislation and Advocate for Refugee Rights

Hundreds gathered in Parliament Square on Monday evening to oppose the Government’s Illegal Migration Bill. The protest, led by the campaign group Stand Up To Racism, coincided with a parliamentary debate on the controversial legislation.

Key speakers included former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and members of the Socialist Campaign Group of Labour MPs, alongside representatives from trade unions such as the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS), Unite, and Unison. Other organisations, including Care4Calais, the Jewish Socialist Group, and the Stop the War Coalition, also voiced their concerns.

Protesters chanted slogans like “Refugees are welcome here!” and “Racist borders have to fall!” Banners displayed messages such as “Open the borders, no deportations” and “Braverman out now,” referencing the Home Secretary.

Speakers urged amendments to the Bill to establish safe routes for asylum seekers and criticised perceived racial biases in current refugee policies. Some highlighted disparities in the UK’s treatment of Ukrainian refugees compared to those from the Middle East, Asia, and Africa, with criticism aimed at plans to deport individuals to Rwanda.

Jeremy Corbyn called the Bill “illegal,” claiming it would imprison children, deport vulnerable individuals, and lead to excessive costs without addressing the root causes of migration. Beth Winter MP emphasised the UK’s duty to welcome all seeking safety, while Bell Ribeiro-Addy described harsh conditions for refugees in Calais, labelling France an unsafe country for returnees.

The demonstration also highlighted the Bill’s provisions that could impact pregnant women and children, with Dawn Butler MP condemning the proposed policies as inhumane.