BID statement on passage of Illegal Migration Bill

The passage of the Illegal Migration Bill marks a disturbing moment in the history of human rights.

We stand in solidarity with all those affected, as this law strips away fundamental rights. We also express our deep gratitude to everyone who has tirelessly opposed this oppressive legislation.

Take care of yourselves and each other, the fight is far from over.

This inhumane act is an asylum ban that creates a subclass of individuals denied human right protections that were previously universal. It paves the way for mass incarceration of people subject to immigration control including children, pregnant women, refugees and torture and trafficking survivors while simultaneously removing accountability and access to justice.

It is horrific. But as we have seen with the Government’s Rwanda policy, with continued resistance policies can be successfully contested in the courts and rendered unenforceable.

BID will continue to advocate for the UK to adhere to its obligations under international human rights and refugee law and we pledge to mobilise our team, volunteers and community to challenge this legislation and fight for its repeal.

During these distressing times, BID remains dedicated to providing support and access to legal advice for individuals facing removal, detention, or deportation.  

We’re expanding our legal team to continue fighting for our client's right to freedom and justice and against the machinery of this Act including off-shore detention, Rwanda removals, and other quasi-detention methods such as decommissioned military bases and barges.

This law does not represent us and we will defeat the dehumanising, racist, and hostile contexts that led to the inception of this law.

Acts of solidarity are more than symbolic gestures; they are potent tools of change. We call on you to organise within your communities, voice your opposition to the opening of detention centres, and where able, to donate time, expertise and funds to organisations working to uphold migrant rights.

The fight for justice, dignity, and freedom continues. Even in the face of this inhumane law, we press forward, determined to create a world where every individual's rights are respected and protected.