Birmingham Council urged to ‘take stand against nightmarish migration plans’
Birmingham Council has been urged by campaigners and refugees to take a stand against ‘nightmarish’ government plans for migration.
Home Secretary and Birmingham MP Shabana Mahmood last November announced the “biggest shake-up” of the legal migration system in nearly half a century.
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The proposed changes mean the government would double the permanent settlement qualifying period for migrants to 10 years, with reductions for those making a strong contribution to British life.
Low-paid workers would be subject to a 15 year baseline while migrants reliant on benefits face a 20 year wait for settlement – quadruple the current period and the longest in Europe.
But the Labour government’s plans have sparked anger and deep concern from refugees, asylum seekers and their allies here in the West Midlands and beyond.
An online petition, which argues the proposals ‘delay lives, hopes, and dreams’, has been signed more than 14,700 times as of Thursday afternoon, February 5.
Against this backdrop, Liberal Democrat Councillor Izzy Knowles proposed a motion amendment which called on the Labour-run council to accuse the government of introducing “counterproductive” measures and proposing plans which would put asylum seekers through ‘decades of limbo’.
However, the amendment was not passed through following a vote among the councillors at a recent meeting.
Emma Birks, West Midlands Campaign Manager at the charity Asylum Matters, reacted by saying it was “deeply disappointing” to see the councillors not back the amendment.
“The [government] plans put the very concept of sanctuary under threat,” she argued.
“It’s a blow for refugees, asylum seekers and everyone who wants to live in a welcoming city where everyone can feel safe and secure.”
She continued: “We know Birmingham wouldn’t be Birmingham without the people from all over the world who’ve made their lives here over the years.
“It’s hard to imagine what our city would look like if those people had been forced to wait 20 or even 30 years to feel safe and secure in their lives here.
“Without settlement, without the right to reunite with children and family members, how can anyone be expected to rebuild a life, to work, to make friends, to truly become part of our community?”
She added: “We continue to urge Birmingham Council to do whatever it can to stop our communities from being torn apart by these nightmarish plans, and remind our Home Secretary of the proud Brummie welcome that she seems to have forgotten about.”
‘It’s going to cause more hardship’
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service after the meeting, Syrian refugee and Birmingham resident Ahmed said: “[The government plans] are going to make it harder for us to settle here.
“It’s going to make it impossible for a lot of people to reunite with their families.
“It’s just going to leave them in limbo, not knowing what they’re going to do next.”
Coun Knowles added: “I would like to see Birmingham City Council keep to their pledges with the City of Sanctuary.
“I’m really disappointed actually that they didn’t support this amendment because it was a pushback against the government and their latest proposals, which are not going to help.
“All it’s going to do is cause more hardship for people who are trying their absolute best to add to our economy and become part of our communities.”
A Home Office spokesperson said in response to the concerns raised: “The Home Secretary has set out the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times, restoring order and control to our border.
“At the same time, we are developing new safe and legal routes to ensure the UK continues to offer sanctuary to those genuinely fleeing war and persecution.
“We understand the devastating circumstances some families face, and other pathways remain available for individuals who may be eligible to reunite with loved ones.”
Last November, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood insisted that migration will “always be a vital part of Britain’s story”.
“But the scale of arrivals in recent years has been unprecedented,” she added.
“To settle in this country forever is not a right but a privilege – and it must be earned.”
Birmingham City Council was contacted for a direct comment on the concerns raised.
But in its proposed City of Sanctuary Strategy for the next five years, the council wrote: “Our legacy of welcoming those seeking safety and opportunity is woven into the fabric of our communities.
“We will lead with compassion, empower sanctuary seekers and build a city where everyone belongs.
“Birmingham has always been a city that opens its arms. Our streets, schools, and workplaces tell the story of generations who came here seeking a better life.
“This strategy builds on that legacy.”
