UK response to Ukraine refugee crisis “a source of shame”

• Frances O’Grady calls for visa waiver and access to decent work for all those fleeing conflict in letter to the prime minister
• Nationality and borders bill would leave those seeking sanctuary facing an “even colder welcome”, TUC warns

The UK response to the Ukraine refugee crisis has been branded “a source of shame” by TUC general secretary Frances O’Grady – as she calls on the government to build an immigration and asylum system that treats all refugees equally.

In a letter to the prime minister, O’Grady slams the government response and calls on the prime minister to urgently bring in visa-free travel for all those fleeing conflict, from Ukraine and around the world, and end the broader ban on people seeking asylum being able to work.

O’Grady adds that without the right to work, “too many people are forced into the shadow economy leading to greater exploitation for all working people”.

The letter identifies other key elements of support for refugees are still missing – including access to housing benefit, where the TUC says the government must act.

The TUC general secretary also urges the government to work with unions and businesses to develop “a practical plan to support refugees”, which could include support with English language classes, conversion of qualifications and information on rights at work, including the opportunity to join a trade union.

A failing system                                                                                

In the letter to the prime minister, O’Grady says this is a “moment to recognise our current immigration and asylum system is not working” – adding the nationality and borders bill would only make matters worse and leave those fleeing future wars facing “an even colder welcome”.

The letter goes onto warn that if the bill is passed, many fleeing conflict “may find themselves treated as criminals and deported, instead of being offered sanctuary.”

Instead, O’Grady calls for “a universal, non-discriminatory system that treats all refugees equally, regardless of where they come from”.

The TUC general secretary also calls on the government to work with other European countries to tackle the racism faced by Black and ethnic minority people at the Ukrainian border and take steps to prevent these people from facing further discrimination as they travel through Europe.

The letter has been sent after the UK trade union movement met at Congress House yesterday as part of the ITUC’s global solidarity day with Ukraine, held by workers around the world.

TUC General Secretary Frances O’Grady said:

“Everyone deserves the right to live in safety.

“We must welcome those who have risked everything to find sanctuary – and help them find decent work to build a life on.

“The government’s response to the Ukraine refugee crisis has been a source of shame. This is the moment to recognise the wider immigration and asylum system is failing.

“It’s time for ministers to introduce a visa waiver for all those fleeing conflict and to end the punitive ban on work for those seeking asylum.”