This Branch notes
1
At the last attempt by the government to get deportation flights to Rwanda off the ground, mass campaigning, from crucial legal challenges, national days of protest, direct action, and widespread opposition reflected in trending social media campaigns were all part of stopping the flights.
A coalition of anti racists, celebrities and politicians, anti racist organisations, trade unions and the TUC, Care4Calais, Refugee Council, Amnesty International and others came together to say #StopRwanda deportations and offshore detention.
This coalition, and with more supporting organisations and politicians, came together on 30 April to mount the campaign.
2
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is now pledging to get flights taking off in 10-12 weeks, while the government’s illegal migration minister Michael Tomlinson’s response to the deaths of five more people in the Channel, including a child, was to say that the deterrent will kick in when flights are off the ground.
3
The passing of the Rwanda Bill, after a long period of flitting back and forth between the Commons and the Lords where it met with opposition and amendments, comes as part of a raft of legislation that is in breach of internationally recognised human rights. From the Nationality and Borders Act to the Illegal Migration Act, the government has acted profoundly to criminalise the vast majority of those who are driven to exercise their human right to seek asylum. It now faces calls from the UN and Council of Europe to reverse the Rwanda Bill.
4
Campaigners insist that the fight to oppose the Rwanda plan must go hand in hand with the demand for Safe Passage Now. For the vast majority of those seeking asylum, safe and legal routes do not exist.
This Branch believes.
5
The passing of this bill does not make Rwanda safe and will not stop the boats. It illustrates a weak government desperate to stir up racism before a general election.
6
This is a bleak point in British political history. The Government has officially overridden the judgement of the UK Supreme Court that Rwanda is not a safe country to send refugees. The Rwanda plan is cruel, inhumane, and racist to its core.
7
The only viable solution is to implement safe routes for asylum seekers as for Ukrainian refugees.
This Branch resolves
8
To be part of a broad, united and mass campaign to make the Rwanda detentions and deportations unworkable.
9
To support the campaigns and protests organised by Stand Up To Racism, Care for Calais and other refugee groups.
10
To circulate and help publicise to affiliates the national demonstration and march through London on 29 June and send this Motion to Coventry Trade Union Council.
11
To help build, fund and support the transport from Coventry to the demonstration.
12
Contribute funds to subsidise free places for refugees on the transport to the demonstration.
Coventry City UNISON - Your Friend at Work 