Everyone has the right to a safe and decent home, access to good work, and support in times of need. Human rights belong to everyone.

Making refugee protection temporary, restricting appeals, and withdrawing guaranteed housing and financial support will push people seeking safety into poverty, homelessness, and ill-health.

The UK Government’s priorities should be tackling the persistent and deepening inequality, poverty and systemic discrimination faced by so many, and addressing the challenges that undermine community cohesion and trust in democracy.

It is time to invest in universal public services, to unite rather than divide, and to protect rather than punish.

The proposed changes take us down the wrong path. Survivors of war, persecution, and trauma cannot rebuild their lives if their rights are denied.

This is a critical moment for the UK, a time for deep reflection on what kind of country we are, and what kind of country we want to be.

The UK Government faces a clear decision: continue with policies that divide and harm or adopt an approach to immigration that is rooted in fundamental human rights.

It must listen to the concerns being raised by so many and change course.

Background image by Nikita Abuya