New asylum reforms

We are getting in touch because the UK government is pursuing further reformsto the asylum system that deepen an already hostile environment.

These changes are happening at a time when the world is becoming more unstable. We are now experiencing the highest number of armed conflicts since the end of the Second World War. Behind every conflict are people whose lives are disrupted or destroyed - and some will seek safety in the UK in the months and years ahead.

At the same time, people fleeing war, conflict, poverty and climate crises are too often blamed for wider problems in our society.

At the West End Refugee Service we see the harsh reality of the asylumsystem every day.

Sadly, these new reforms deepen the problems of an already broken system instead of fixing them.

You can read a helpful article explaining the changes here.

We have also prepared a short set of slides below summarising some of the key elements

We are sharing this with you because your voice matters.

If you feel concerned about the direction these reforms are taking, we strongly encourage you to write to your local MP and ask them to consider the real human consequences of these policies.

Every day we meet individuals and families trying to build stability while navigating constant uncertainty - often moved across the country at short notice, unable to work and waiting long periods for decisions about their future.

The environment around asylum support continues to change. Charities like WERS must adapt so that we can continue reaching people who need support, dignity and the chance to belong.

In the coming weeks we will also share more about what these changes mean for WERS and how we organise and deliver our services.

Thank you, as always, for standing alongside people seeking safety.

In solidarity
Andy Durma
Chief Executive
West End Refugee Service