Re: The Nationality and Borders Bill

Dear  [name of MP],

I am writing to you as [add reference to your role/ position: ie as a representative of a local group supporting refugees in your constituency] to express my concern about the UK Government’s Nationality and Borders Bill.

I believe this bill will have grave consequences for vulnerable people seeking sanctuary, creating a two-tier system based on the journeys people made to get here, rather than their need for protection. It will separate families and lead to more dangerous journeys in an attempt to reach safety. It will create ever longer backlogs and delays in the asylum process, establish unsafe and costly offshore accommodation and lead to greater poverty and homelessness. It is based on fantasy agreements with other countries that are unlikely to be secured, and flies in the face of international law and our responsibilities as a global nation.

I am therefore asking you to take a stand against this anti-refugee bill during its second reading in Parliament next week, and call for an alternative system that is kinder, fairer and more effective.

[‘Working on the frontline of the asylum system’ or 'Supporting people in the asylum system'

or 'Through my personal experience of the asylum system' or other relevant phrase to capture your role/experience] in [Constituency], I am well aware of its deficiencies. All too often we witness vulnerable people left languishing in a hostile system for months and even years on end, unable to access justice, barred from working to support themselves, and prevented from rebuilding their lives and contributing to their communities. [And/or include here any particular concerns you or your organisation may have, referring if possible to real life experiences of local people in the asylum system (these can be anonymised) and your evidence from supporting them].

The Bill could have introduced reforms that would address these deficiencies. Unfortunately, the proposals contained in the Bill will serve only to exacerbate existing problems, while stirring up public anger and fear against one of the most vulnerable groups in our society. This will undermine [your community/area/constituency]’s long and proud history of welcoming people seeking sanctuary and threatens community cohesion, which is in no one’s interest. 

The second reading of the Bill next week is an opportunity for you to take a stand for a better approach to supporting refugees that is more effective, fair and humane. This means defending people’s right  to seek safety in the UK no matter how they came here and ensuring they can live in dignity while they wait for a decision on their asylum application. It means empowering refugees to rebuild their lives and make valuable contributions to our communities. And it means the UK working with other countries to do our bit to help people who are forced to flee their homes.  

If you would like further information about any aspect of the Bill, or to discuss the impact of these reforms on your local constituency, please do not hesitate to get in touch. [I/We] would also be grateful for the opportunity to meet with you to discuss this in more detail. . [If you are holding a local event or drop-in session include the invite and information here].

[I/We] look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name]

[Your organisation if relevant]

[Your address and contact details]