Asylum Link Merseyside

The environment we find ourselves in is getting tougher. The New Immigration act with its two-tier
approach to the asylum system differentiates, not on the story or facts behind someone’s asylum
claim, but on the basis of how they arrived in the UK. At its heart this seems manifestly unfair as two
people with the same background issues, will have different entitlements based solely on how they
entered the UK. It is designed to deter small boat travel but so far has had no effect.

The overcrowding in the Manston Camp, is as a direct consequence of the Home Office failure to
make timely decisions and as of June this year, 127,000 people were waiting for a decision on their
Asylum claims. These have risen recently but this figure has built up over years.  What this means is
that many new arrivals find themselves dispersed to hotels, in places with no background in dealing
with refugees, and little explanation of why they are there.

This is where Asylum Link can make a difference to the situation, whether that is providing activities
for these isolated people to become involved with or explaining the circumstances which brought
these newcomers to their community. Last year we spoke to over 3000 pupils in Merseyside on
issues relating to Refugees and are regularly in Universities and Colleges.

Our Action Asylum National Project was launched in Parliament on the 18 October and we have
expanded the project to Sheffield, Stockton-on-Tees, Portsmouth, Leeds and Cardiff. We work with
local partners in each city, to develop allotments, bike rides, indoor climbing, and a raft of activities
for people to join in with. Crucially, it involves both locals and newcomers working together.

One of the most recent developments is with the Canals and Rivers Trust, where asylum seekers
have been helping to clear parts of the Leeds – Liverpool canal and the volunteers have had some
wonderful days out. With the Choir singing for Liverpool Museums and Amal the Puppet, Refugee
Week BBQs, Trips and lots more, it has been a hectic few months and it’ll be good to have a break
over Christmas. Thanks again to everyone who pitches in to help and support us.