Ten years ago on May 25, the government embedded the Hostile Environment into policy, building on a legacy of state racism and violence. Recent events from the Rwanda deal to the passing of the Nationality and Borders Bill into law make it clear: the UK’s immigration system is hostile by design. But the state’s legacy of violence is matched by our legacy of resistance.
We can change the way things are, but we must act now.
The Solidarity Knows No Borders Community of Resistance is calling for a Week of Action to End the Hostile Environment, this 13-19 June.
We will target the pillars that hold up this cruel and racist immigration system. We will take action against the Government institutions that have created it, the private companies who profit from it and the workplaces that enforce it. We will honour our continued resistance and build our power from the ground up. Together, we will build a world where every person is able to live in freedom, dignity, justice and abundance.
From protests to picnics to workshops, there will be actions around the UK that everyone can take part in—and everyone is needed in this fight!
We will be sharing more details at an online rally on 25 May, featuring a powerful lineup of speakers on the frontlines of the fight for migrant justice. Make sure to register here to receive further information about the week of action!
Speakers at the rally include:
Andrea Martinez – Kanlungan Filipino Consortium
Asad Rehman – War on Want
Erfan – Former Resident of Napier Barracks
Ed Wong – IWGB
Gracie Mae Bradley – organiser and co-author of “Against Borders”
Loraine Mponela – Coventry Asylum and Refugee Action Group (CARAG)
Mariam Yusuf – WAST Manchester
Mary Atkinson – JCWI
Maya Goodfellow – journalist and author of “Hostile Environment: How Immigrants Become the Scapegoats”
Polish Migrants Organise for Change (POMOC)
Nanou – Abolish Reporting Campaign
Rossana Leal – The Refugee Buddy Project
Simba Mujakachi – Justice for Simba Campaign
Tipping Point UK
Veeca Smith – These Walls Must Fall
West London Resistance Collective
Zita Holbourne – BARAC UK
Zrinka Bralo – Migrants Organise
