MEMBERS of Wharfedale and Silsden’s Amnesty International groups held a two-hour vigil on The Grove on Saturday to underline what they call the UK government’s ‘appalling’ treatment of refugees, both from Ukraine and from other countries, and to raise awareness of the Nationality and Borders Bill currently going through parliament.

"The tragic events in Ukraine remind us of the plight of people suddenly without a safe place to live," said Amnesty member Alison Tribe. "The government has set up schemes to help refugees from Ukraine, but there are refugees from other countries like Syria, Afghanistan and Yemen whose homes have also been destroyed and their families killed. The government’s response to these refugees has been to introduce the Nationality and Borders Bill, which seeks to criminalise refugees for arriving here through an unsanctioned route - but the only sanctioned route is that of resettlement which is accessible to very few. The Bill would make it a criminal offence for an asylum-seeker to arrive in the UK without prior ‘approval’; the maximum sentence would be four years’ imprisonment. In 2019, the UK received far fewer asylum applications than Germany, France, Spain or Greece. This Bill is intended to reduce the numbers further and will increase the suffering of refugees. Working with Amnesty has shown us what life can be like for people going through trauma. We need to help, not punish."

Amnesty members are asking anyone who shares their concerns to write to their MP. "If we don’t, MPs will continue to think that the public supports this punitive Bill," added Alison.

Amnesty Silsden group can be contacted on 01535 958606. Amnesty Wharfedale group: Ed Carne 01943 600612.