We have a proud history in the UK of welcoming people into this country, and we value their
vital contributions to our economy, culture and society. We certainly do not
wish to see anyone who has a right to live and work in the UK being refused a
tenancy or a job opportunity based on their race, religion or belief.
I agree with
the Home Secretary when he said in his first statement before Parliament that the
phrase hostile environment sends a message this “is unhelpful and it
doesn’t represent our values as a country”.
With Brexit
fast approaching, we have been given a once in a lifetime opportunity to learn
from past mistakes and build a fair and non-discriminatory immigration system
that works for everyone. We have to send clear a message to discourage illegal
migration, and indeed previous governments have made great strides in tackling
illegal migration. At the same time, this new immigration system needs to be
fair and humane to people legally seeking to enter or remain in this country.
I believe there
needs to be a change of culture at the heart of the Home Office, because the
focus has been on policy and process and not people. We must never lose sight
of the fact that at the heart of these polices are people: individuals and
families who deserve to be treated fairly, with dignity and respect.
I agree that
where there are cases of mistreatment that has resulted in undue harm or
wrongful denial to employment, housing, or services, we need to ensure that
individuals are given the proper channels to seek redress and compensation for
these mistakes. However, I do not believe that calling for a wholesale review
of immigration policies and practices is a sensible option going forward.
Such an
exercise would only impose unnecessary costs on taxpayers and distract
government officials from carrying out the vital work required to right wrongs.
There needs to be a change in Home Office policy and culture, not a review or
an inquiry.
