The refugee family reunion scheme used to allow people granted refugee status in the UK to apply for their immediate family members to join them, including their children, recognising that family unity is integral to protection, stability and integration. The government abruptly suspended this …
Refugees
Statement on “earned settlement” proposals
We are deeply concerned by Home Office plans to establish a so-called “earned settlement” scheme that would judge those with a higher salary, better education and from a more fortunate background as more worthy of living settled, secure lives in the UK. This is contrary to our understanding of the …
Scapegoating refugees won’t fix inequality – letter
Over 100 organisations, including the Methodist, Baptist, and United Reformed Churches, have sent a letter to the new Home Secretary, expressing concern about recent announcements about immigration and asylum policy. It calls for the government to stop contributing to the politics of division which …
Show Me the Humanity
Why the UK needs a Jerry Maguire styled epiphany On the wall of my office, I have around 50 boards depicting my favourite films and tv shows – some are profound, some edgy, some, if I’m honest, are a bit cringy, but all of them are meaningful to me in some way. One of them is Cameron …
Reach out in peace: Positive preparation for times of unrest
When tensions rise in communities, churches can be agents of peace, compassion, sanctuary, solidarity and support. Below we suggest five ways that church leaders can prepare positively – to be ready to lead, respond and care well at times of unrest. It is nearly a year since violent disorder …
Immigration: 1 in 12 Daily Telegraph headline writers can’t count*
*this headline, like the Telegraph’s recent front page on immigration, has no statistical basis. On 22 January, the Daily Telegraph tried to convince Londoners they were surrounded by potentially society wrecking illegal immigrants with the front-page headline “1 in 12 Londoners is an illegal …
Churches express outrage at the Rwanda Bill
An open letter, signed by over 250 organisations from across civil society in the UK, including the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches and the Church of Scotland, has been sent to the Prime Minister following the passing of the Government’s Rwanda Act. The organisations have come …
JPIT churches among 265 signatories of joint statement on Rwanda Bill
Over 260 charities and organisations have signed a joint statement on the Rwanda Bill as it begins its Second Reading in the House of Lords, encouraging peers to reject the Bill and protect people’s rights. Among the diverse list of signatories are the JPIT denominations: the Baptist Union, The …
Homelessness among refugees and how you can help
Homelessness is on the rise this winter, especially among people recently granted asylum in the UK. So last week, JPIT partnered with Housing Justice and Compassionate Communities to hold a webinar exploring how churches can respond. Why is homelessness an increasing issue for …
What will the Illegal Migration Act do?
The Illegal Immigration Act is the cornerstone of one of the government's stated five national priorities - to “Stop the Boats”. The Act is designed to fundamentally change the status of asylum seekers in the UK, making it illegal to enter the UK and claim asylum without permission. The legislation …