At GARAS (Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers) we offer support to those seeking asylum in Gloucestershire, welcoming them when they arrive, advocating for them in their daily struggles, supporting them if they face being sent back as well as helping them adjust to their long term future if they are recognised as refugees.
Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (GARAS)
The Trust Centre
Falkner St
Gloucester
GL1 4SQ
Telephone: 01452 550528
General enquiries: info@garas.org.uk
Administrative enquiries: admin@garas.org.uk
www.garas.org.uk
Director
Adele Owen
Just twelve days ago we stood in silence in solidarity with our Ukrainian friends as we considered what they are living through at present. The response of the UK to welcoming Ukrainians and others has been remarkable.
And I believe that the majority of the British population also want to help others needing protection.
However, we need to be heard to say that. We need to ensure the voice is heard to counteract the assumption made by the Home Secretary that the stringent new law that this is what the public wants.
This morning she has commented that asylum seekers arriving this way are queue jumping – I am not sure how anyone is queue jumping when waiting in a broken system and waiting for years and years. All they are trying to do is to enter their asylum claim which, until now, they have been a liberty to do.
So I make a plea to everyone who feels that this legislation is wrong to write and tell your MP, unless we do they will continue to believe the only relevant voice in this is the extreme quoted.
If you want ideas of what to say please do email GARAS we have some suggestions of topics.
Adele