In March 2023, the UK Government introduced the Illegal Migration Bill to Parliament. If passed, the Bill would make it almost impossible to seek sanctuary in the UK.

As a City of Sanctuary, our community has come together to oppose these measures. Newcastle City Council has passed a unanimous motion defending the right to seek safety from war and persecution. People seeking sanctuary in Newcastle have spoken out against the Government’s plans. 

As the Bill returns to Parliament this week, groups across the city have issued a joint statement condemning the Bill and calling on the Government to work with our communities to build a just, compassionate asylum system. You can read the full statement here

You can find out more about the Illegal Migration Bill here. To take action, you could email your MP asking them to oppose the Bill using Refugee Action’s simple online form, or take inspiration from City of Sanctuary’s suggested actions.