“The Tory plans to “offshore” often vulnerable refugees to Rwanda are unethical, unworkable and a staggering waste of money.  As the challenge to the policy of offshore detention goes back to the courts (Monday 5 September), I send my support and solidarity to those protesting the shameful treatment of refugees under the Tories.

The UK should be a welcoming and open refuge to those seeking asylum and that should mean taking our responsibilities to house and process applications right here in the UK, not in a country with a human rights record as concerning as Rwanda.  Labour voted against these cruel plans and against the Nationality and Borders Bill, an extreme Bill that will criminalise refugees and not fix the broken asylum system.

The Home Secretary should be focussing on tackling the growing Home Office backlog and delays and drawing up a proper security and migration agreement with France to tackle the dangerous criminal gangs who are putting lives at risk.  But instead of strengthening the National Crime Agency’s work with France, the Tories are drawing up plans for 20% cuts.  And, instead of speeding up asylum decisions so that refugees can get support, the Home Office is only making half as many decisions as five years ago.

This isn’t about tackling the asylum crisis, it is dog whistle politics.  We urgently need safe, legal routes for people to claim asylum and a decent replacement for the lost Dublin agreement, which used to include both safe returns and family reunion.

I will continue to do everything I can in Parliament to raise my deep concerns about this Government’s abhorrent and cruel attitude towards refugees, campaign for asylum seekers’ right to work, and strive for a kind asylum system that treats people with respect and dignity.”