Immigration bill protest

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LEIGH campaigners came out in force against a new Tory immigration law, they say, could see a “blanket dismissal of anyone facing persecution” set into law.

The local All Rise Collective gathered outside Anna Firth’s Leigh Constituency office, claiming the Southend West MP’s policy on refugees is “out of sight, out of mind.”

The group, who met on Saturday, March 18 outside Iveagh Hall Conservative Association on Leigh Road came together to call for collective action against government policies.

The Conservative’s Illegal Immigration Bill aims to stop people claiming asylum in the UK if they enter the country in breach of immigration procures.

A spokesperson for Leigh All Rise Collective said: “Despite the rain, our community showed up and sent Anna Firth MP a very clear message that she does not speak for us.

“We believe that no human being is illegal and everyone has the right to claim asylum. Refugees are welcome here in Southend and we demand to know how the Conservatives intend on upholding the human rights of those seeking safety.”

In a statement about the Bill, Ms Firth MP commented: “I welcome the fact that the Government is taking a clear stand against illegal immigration to stop the boats and break the business model that the vile, people-smuggling gangs depend on and save lives.

“We have a very good points-based immigration system in this country and we also have a proud tradition of welcoming the most vulnerable.

“Since 2015 we’ve given sanctuary to nearly half a million people through family resettlement and global safe and legal routes.

“It is wrong and unfair both on the tax-payer and on the growing numbers of homeless in our country to see illegal migrants put up in expensive hotels.”

Stephanie Golder, of All Rise Collective said: “Anna’s policy on refugees is ‘out of sight, out of mind’. She doesn’t want to see any more children drown in the Channel, but doesn’t want to give those children a safe route to come to this country.

“It is a disgrace that Anna brought up the plight of the homeless, when it is in fact a political decision by her own party not to house them and nothing to do with refugees.

“Her statement that ‘criminals’ are pushing veterans to the back of the housing queue is based on no facts whatsoever, when ex-service personnel actually get priority for housing in Southend.”

Speaking in response to criticism of this recent protest, a spokesperson from All Rise Collective added: “We understand that people are deeply aggrieved that their living standards are falling, their bills are through the roof, they can’t see a Dr when they need one, they are right to be angry.

“But none of this is the fault of a tiny number of people desperately trying to survive. People seeking asylum in this country make up 0.18% of the population and are forced to live on less than £7 a day.

“This ‘Stop the Boats’ campaign is reminiscent of the ‘£350 million a week for our NHS if we leave the EU’ on the big red bus, we all know how that turned out.”

High profile critics of the bill, including the ex Prime Minister Teresa May, have argued that the bill would bar entry to all those feeling persecution who arrive in the UK through illegal means, including human trafficking victims.

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LEIGH campaigners came out in force against a new Tory immigration law, they say, could see a “blanket dismissal of anyone facing persecution” set into law.

LEIGH campaigners came out in force against a new Tory immigration law, they say, could see a “blanket dismissal of anyone facing persecution” set into law.

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