Our Statement of Solidarity In Response to the UK’s "Illegal” Migration Bill
We are very worried by the news that, despite a number of initially encouraging successful amendments in the House of Lords, the “Illegal” Migration Bill is due to become law. In response, we are sharing a message from our Managing Director and one of our young people, as well as a list of resources to help you channel your compassion into positive action for refugees. 🧡
Statement from Breadwinners Managing Director, Martin Cosarinsky Campos
“The news on the passing of the bill feels like a punch to the stomach. It is adding up to the massive challenges young people already face in the UK, sets a terrible example globally, and will only create worse conditions for people looking for safety across the world.
However, it will also galvanise support for refugees in the UK. There are already over 290 organisations who are working tirelessly to welcome refugees, and over 50,000 people who have signed petitions to actively oppose the Bill. We feel this support every weekend at our markets.
“There are many ways you can get involved in supporting refugees in the UK, so volunteer, join a local initiative, sign up to campaigns welcoming refugees, and we can make sure future governments will understand that compassionate policies are not only right, but more effective and cheaper!!”
There are many ways you can get involved in supporting refugees in the UK, so volunteer, join a local initiative, sign up to campaigns welcoming refugees, and we can make sure future governments will understand that compassionate policies are not only right, but more effective and cheaper!!
The fight is not over. Now is the time to keep showing up for refugees. Our mission at Breadwinners is to improve the wellbeing of refugees and we are motivated, now more than ever, to continue doing so by fostering a welcoming community of young people, volunteers, customers, and donors to enable refugees to thrive in the UK and achieve their dreams.
I want to take this moment to thank our community of supporters for allowing Breadwinners to provide our support to young refugees and people seeking asylum.
In solidarity,
Martin & The Breadwinners Team”
A message of hope from one of our Breadwinners Graduate
We asked our young people how they feel about the passing of the “Illegal” Migration Bill and one the Graduates of our Breadwinners Programme was keen to share this message with our community of young people (and wishes to remain anonymous).
“The government has passed a law stating that those who come "illegally" to the UK cannot claim asylum. I just want to say no one likes to escape from their country, it's terrifying. These people need help and I just want to motivate them by saying that Breadwinners is here to support them. We will never leave you alone guys. Remember, you have a big family called Breadwinners here. I hope that everybody in the UK and those who want to come here can be happy, healthy, and successful."
- Breadwinners Graduate
“We will never leave you alone guys. Remember, you have a big family called Breadwinners here.”
What can YOU do?
It’s normal to feel hopeless in times like these, but we want to encourage you to channel your compassion and to stand even louder and stronger with refugees.
Join us and hundreds of other organisations and volunteers in these calls to action:
Educate yourself about the implications of the “Illegal” Migration Bill by reading the UNHCR UK’s statement or the Refugee Council’s detailed impact assessment.
Campaign for the rights of refugees with our friends over at Together With Refugees, Freedom From Torture, Refugee Action, Safe Passage, or Asylum Matters, to name but a few incredible organisations in the UK leading the essential work on the ground.
Donate your time, energy, and skills to refugees by providing 1-to-1 support to a young person on our programmes as a volunteer mentor!