Bristol City of Sanctuary Newsletter Nov 2023

Our statement on the Israel and Palestine Conflict   As a member of the larger City of Sanctuary network, we would like to echo the statement shared by both the City of Sanctuary network but also refugee charities across the UK. We deeply grieve the loss of all civilian life and are concerned at how this conflict is exacerbating an already desperate Palestinian refugee crisis. We therefore urge the UK government to facilitate a safe route to aid all those having to flee their homes.  To view the full statement and learn how you can support the crisis please click here.

Transport Fund We continue to support and campaign to provide transport to asylum claimants by providing bus tickets to those in need. Transport across Bristol is vital for those seeking sanctuary to access vital services such as medical care, legal advice and food banks as well as attending important appointments. However, given the limited allowance of only £6.42 a day, funding transport around the city becomes virtually impossible.  In order to maintain this fund we rely upon donations. First Bus have promised to match these donations therefore everything given is worth double. We are grateful for any support that can be offered.  If you wish to make online donations please click here, or if you would like to donate in other forms or learn more about our scheme please click here.

Stopping the 'Illegal Migration Act' 2023  We want to take this opportunity to condemn the 'Illegal Migration Act' as well as the current rhetoric being used by the government to discuss those seeking sanctuary.  The Act was reviewed in the Supreme Court from the 9th to the 11th of October, the purpose of which was to deem whether Rwanda is a 'safe' country. We are currently waiting to receive the results of this inquiry, however it is important to note that this ruling does not tackle the legality of the principle of removing asylum seekers to a safe third country. Therefore, it is vital we continue to speak out against this Act.  The impacts that this Act will have on those fleeing conflict and persecution are severe.This Act threatens the right to claim asylum for those entering the UK through 'irregular' routes, such as on small boats and other 'irregular methods'.Penalizing people for seeking sanctuary here through irregular routes is unfair and unjust, especially when there is little other option.  This is also a right that is guaranteed under the Geneva Convention and thus this Act is an attempt by the government to circumvent our legal duty to asylum seekers. We therefore urge the government to stop this Act, and instead focus on helping those seeking sanctuary rather than hindering them.  To see our full statement, please click here .

Patients not Passports  

In 2017, changes were made to the Immigration Act 2014 to expand those who would receive overseas charges when gaining secondary care in the NHS. This places a duty on NHS trusts to check the eligibility of all patients before giving out secondary care. This policy ultimately impacts the lives of those seeking sanctuary. 

Not only does this undermine the principle of the NHS, which is giving free care based on needs but also places an additional burden on NHS staff who are already under increased pressure. 

The complex nature of the charging, and the large charges that can occur has created a lot of fear and confusion for the most vulnerable and most in need of healthcare. Fears of the charges impacts the willingness of people to come forward, even to primary healthcare which is not affected by these charges. Moreover, by asking about immigration status, the vital patient-healthcare provider relationship is undermined, impacting the ability to give out effective aid to those who need it.

We therefore support Patients not Passports, encouraging the focus to be on helping rather than creating a hostile environment to those who desperately need support. 

If you would like to learn how to you can support this, please click here.