While communities across Wandsworth continue to build welcoming spaces, national conversations around asylum and migration have taken a challenging turn.

At the end of January, the Government published the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill - the latest attempt to curb the Channel crossings and clamp down on the people smugglers exploiting the desperate people making these journeys. The Bill includes a slew of new counterterrorism-style powers, including the seizure of mobile phones and financial assets. Border Force officials will also be authorised to stop and search asylum seekers arriving in small boats. 

‍

The draft legislation is more notable for what it omits though, namely its failure to reverse a tranche of the most controversial measures included in the previous government’s Illegal Migration Act, for example the ban on those who arrive illegally claiming protections under the Modern Slavery Act; the powers to detain child migrants for up to 28 days; and the cap on the number of migrants who can arrive each year via safe and legal routes. As a large number of charities have pointed out, this is particularly disappointing given that the vast majority of ministers now in government vehemently opposed these measures while in opposition. 

‍

Alongside the legislation, the Government has also updated guidance which toughens existing rules and makes it virtually impossible for anyone who arrives via an irregular route to claim British citizenship, no matter the legitimacy of their asylum claim or how long they have lived in the UK. The move has been roundly condemned by charities, unions, and faith leaders. 

‍

At the same time, ministers have announced that arrests of illegal migrant workers hit record levels in January, with 609 people arrested - a 48% increase. The rise follows more than 800 police raids, many of which have been conducted on places like nail bars, car washes, and restaurants. Footage publicised by the Government of some migrants being deported has been labelled “performative” by the Refugee Council. As they have made clear, the only way to break the business model of the people smugglers is to provide safe, legal routes.

Last month, the Government opened the Ukraine Permission Extension (UPE) scheme, designed for Ukrainians and their eligible family members in the UK who have already been granted permission under one of the other Ukraine schemes. 

‍

Effectively, the scheme is a means of rolling over permission to stay for all those who have already arrived, providing the same entitlements to work, study, rent, and receive benefits that are currently in place. It is free to apply but applications can only be made when a guest’s current permission has 28 days of less until expiry. Further guidance is available here. 

‍

Concerns have been flagged by charities and campaigners that there is a risk some Ukrainians could be left with an eight-week gap during which they will be unable to prove their right to live and work in the UK. To help provide some consistency in support, the Government has also announced that it is extending the ‘thank you’ payments available to sponsors for an additional 18 months. Hosts will need to similarly apply for the payments when their guests transition to the UPE scheme. 

‍

The 24th February, of course, marked 3 years since the brutal and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine. Over that time, Wandsworth has welcomed well over 1,000 Ukrainians forced from their homes. Words can never do justice to the mindless destruction and violence that has followed, but this sad anniversary offers all of us an opportunity to reaffirm our solidarity with those Ukrainians who have been resettled and a chance to say "thank you" to the schools, surgeries, clubs, and residents who have welcomed them with open arms.

In this wider context, local sanctuary work is more important than ever. While national policy can feel distant and uncertain, community-led action creates tangible spaces of safety, dignity, and belonging. 

‍

By supporting organisations across Wandsworth to become places of sanctuary, Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees continues to build understanding, challenge harmful narratives, and ensure people seeking safety are met first and foremost with humanity. 

‍

Local action cannot fix national systems alone, but it can ensure that, here in Wandsworth, welcome remains visible, practical, and shared.