Lobbying in London: Settlement is a Human Right
On Wednesday 11th March, hundreds of people gathered in Parliament to stand in solidarity with refugees, migrants and asylum seekers, and call on MPs to scrap the government’s earned settlement plans.
We were there too, advocating for the women and children of WAST, and highlighting the harmful impact these proposals would have on their lives. These plans are already causing significant stress and anxiety for many, adding to the challenges and adversity many of our women already face each day. Now more than ever, they deserve to have their voices heard.
We were proud to stand with our community, fighting for better, more humane policies alongside our friends from Asylum Matters, Right to Remain, Boaz Trust, Praxis UK, Greater Manchester Immigration Unit and more. It was a powerful moment, with many hopeful conversations shared and promises made.
Meeting Rebecca Long Bailey MP for Salford
Reflections on the mass lobby
Several of our members travelled down to London to join the mass lobby at Westminster. Here are some of their reflections from the day.
“It felt like such an amazing experience to actually go there and have those conversations face to face. Sometimes you feel like your voice isn’t heard, but being able to sit down with someone who represents us in Parliament is powerful. And it made me realise how much work organisations like ours do every single day to support people.”
“It was an amazing experience to be part of the 50 people going to London on a coach from Greater Manchester to explain why earned settlement proposals are personal and how they directly affect us as a community. We were also requesting that the Home Secretary halt these proposals given the level of public concerns. All in all we were 500 people who went to meet our MPs, most of them are putting pressure on the government not to make the barbaric proposals into action.”
With Hannah Spencer, MP for Gorton and Denton
Why the day mattered so much
“What excited me the most was having the opportunity to see our MP. I learned more about how to fight for my own rights and freedom in the UK.”
“The trip wasn’t just about advocacy, it was also about community. Being around other organisations from greater Manchester who care deeply about their communities was incredibly inspiring. We shared stories, ideas and strategies. And it reminded me why we all keep going. Every conversation, every meeting, every word spoken matters. It makes a difference when we come together and make sure our voices are heard.”
“It was good day for us, to meet our MPs and to share what people are going through. l believe that our voices were heard for a change, and we left London very excited.”
What next?
“We still have to put the pressure on and be hopeful. It was a good initiative, I will do it again if given a chance.”
“Let’s keep fighting for change because our communities deserve better, and as long as we stand united there’s nothing we can’t achieve.”
