Bob Holman has given me permission to reproduce his open letter to the Minister for Immigration, Liam Byrne MP. This appeared in The Herald Society section today. Bob is a retired professor of social policy and a neighbourhood worker in Easterhouse, Glasgow.
Dear Liam
We are both members of the Labour Party and the Christian Socialist Movement. I hope you will listen to my plea to reconsider the policies the government pursues against asylum seekers.
I live close to a tower block that houses asylum seekers. They are not here to exploit the welfare state. They are not allowed to work and often live in sub-standard accomodation with incomes below even the stringent British poverty line. Hardly luxury.
They frequently have the qualifications or skills that this country needs, and if allowed to work, most would not be taking jobs from British people.
Those I have met are genuine asylum seekers. For instance, two brothers ran a successful shop at home, a war-divided country. When one protested as troops took supplies, he was shot and killed. His brother and his family fled to Britain. A friend of mine workinig for a charity visited their district and emailed me: "On no account should they return". But their appeal to stay has been rejected. Refugees' bodies confirm that this is not an unusual decision.
As a former statutory child care officer, I have a particular concern for deprived children. Yet the maxim that the priority be given to " the interests of the welfare of the child" does not seem to hold for the children of asylum seekers. I think of children who are part of the culture of Scotland - in some cases born here - who attend Scottish schools. Yet some have been sent back to dangerous places.
The Ahmadis are a Muslim sect considered to be heretics by many Muslims. They impress me as gentle and tolerant people who have fled to Britain for asylum. In January, the Parliamentary Human Rights Group published an investigation made by immigration experts. They conclude that Pakistan is not safe for the Ahmadis. Despite this, increasing numbers are being sent back. I have seen the effect on a family of Ahmadis whose appeals have been rejected. I have heard from them what awaits. The children are safe here. Is that in the interests of the child?
I could go on about asylum seekers who have no right to welfare. Yet they prefer starvation to torture, imprisonment and execution. They are often helped by members of churches. A prominent Conservative told me that their treatment was so degrading that Christians should break the law if necessary to help them.
My experience of asylum seekers is typical. Andrew Dismore MP, chair of the Joint Committee on Human Rights, points to the "hard evidence of appalling treatment that no human should suffer". I ask you to ensure that they be lifted out of poverty, that they get justice, and that amnesty be given to all who have been here since 2001.
I approach you as Christians - Jesus had a special concern for people of other races - and as members of the Labour movement. In the 1930s, Labour MPs sought to accept refugees from oppression, despite a harsh Conservative government.
Finally, I appeal to you as participants in a humanity that should embrace and love, yes love, those in need.
Dear sir,
I read the post about Bob Holman open letter to the Minister for Immigration, Liam Byrne MP. I would be most grateful if you could provide me with a contact email. I have an asylum/immigartion issue which I would like to share with you. I have tried to follow the link on the conatct page but it didnot specify conatct email.
I look forward to hearing from you
Posted by: Friend | September 16, 2007 at 02:55 AM