LONDON: Religious leaders from various faiths in the UK have rallied behind the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, in expressing their opposition to the government’s proposed migration laws. Prominent figures from the Muslim, Sikh, Hindu, and Jewish communities have joined Welby in signing a letter that calls for an alternative approach to addressing the migration crisis in the country.
Among the signatories are Sunni Imam Qari Asim, Chairman of the Mosques and Imams National Advisory Board; Shiite cleric Imam Sayed Razawi, Scotland’s most senior Muslim scholar; rabbis Charley Baginsky and Josh Levy, CEOs of the Progressive Judaism movement; Trupti Patel, President of the Hindu Forum of Britain; Sikh peer Lord Singh of Wimbledon; Archbishop of York Stephen Cottrell, and Bishop of Durham Paul Butler.
The UK is currently facing a housing shortage and a backlog in processing asylum applications, resulting in tens of thousands of migrants residing in temporary accommodation. The government’s proposed Illegal Migration Bill aims to grant authorities increased powers to detain, deport, and impose re-entry bans on individuals who have entered the country illegally. It also includes plans to send asylum-seekers to Rwanda while awaiting the outcomes of their applications.
Proposed Bill Fails to Fulfill UK’s Obligation
In their letter published in The Times, the religious leaders argue that the proposed bill fails to fulfill the country’s obligation to protect the most vulnerable and lacks an evidence-based and workable policy. They advocate for an alternative approach that aligns with the UK’s history, values, and responsibility.
Highlighting the global scale of the migration crisis, the letter emphasizes the need for collective efforts in finding solutions. The faith leaders call on the UK to take a leading role in adopting a just and compassionate approach that ensures the protection of individuals seeking sanctuary, expedited and fair processing of claims, punishment for human traffickers, and addressing the root causes of mass migration.
Imam Asim expressed his belief that people of all faiths are appalled by the government’s proposals, stating that they demonstrate inhumanity and incompetence in dealing with the crisis, contradicting the values of Britain’s history.
Archbishop Welby, who also holds a seat in the House of Lords, has submitted a series of amendments to the legislation. These include the establishment of “ten-year strategies for collaborating internationally” to combat human trafficking.
Welby emphasized the unity among faith leaders in their concern for individuals seeking sanctuary, stressing the necessity for an asylum system based on justice and compassion.
Rabbi Baginsky affirmed the political nature of religion, supporting the involvement of bishops in the House of Lords in addressing the intersection between religion and politics. She stated that the issue of refugees and welcoming people to the country is precisely where this intersection occurs.
A spokesperson from the Home Office responded to the religious leaders’ concerns, asserting that the government’s “Stop the Boats Bill” aims to remove the incentive for dangerous journeys orchestrated by criminal gangs, ultimately protecting individuals from such perils.
