Immigration Bill: Letter to Lords for 9 March 2016

To: Members of the House of Lords

Dear [name]

I am writing to you regarding the Immigration Bill which will be before the House of Lords on 9 March.

Lord Roberts of Llandudno has put down the following amendment:

Schedule 9

Page 147, line 26, at end insert—

  “( )     The Secretary of State must grant bail to any person detained under a

       provision mentioned in sub-paragraph (1) no later than the twenty-

       eighth day following that on which the person was detained.”

The Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) in Britain and the Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network oppose indefinite detention, and welcome the amendment above. We live out our belief that there is that of God in everyone.

The Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network has been working with other organisations to end indefinite detention for many years. It is a nationwide network of Quakers who have experience of working with asylum seekers and refugees. The network seeks to ensure that justice and compassion are the guiding principles in the treatment of asylum seekers, forced migrants and refugees.

The human cost of indefinite detention is immeasurable. Many people suffer long-term damage to their physical and mental health, while families experience the distress of separation. The financial cost is high; indefinite detention is robbing people of their lives and taxpayers of their money.

Every day that immigration detention without time limits exists further undermines Britain’s long tradition of civil liberties. This amendment is a step towards finding practical and humane alternatives to detention which allow people to contribute to society.

We urge you to support the amendment proposed by Roger Roberts.

In Friendship

Jessica Metheringham