Use of Inflammatory Language

Unmesh Desai AM moved, and Sem Moema AM seconded the following motion:

“This Assembly condemns the use of inflammatory language such as that used by the Home Secretary on 31 October 2022 to describe migrants fleeing persecution and conflict. This Assembly considers this rhetoric is a continuation of the Home Office’s Hostile Environment policy with regard to non-UK born citizens which includes millions of Londoners. 

Whilst it is important that criminal gangs who profit from individuals’ desperation and the fraud arising from this is legally challenged through the immigration and criminal justice system, in tackling this problem the Home Office’s approach should not inflame real or perceived tensions, risk increasing hate crime and leave migrants or would-be asylum seekers in dangerous conditions. 

This Assembly supports the call from the Mayor of London to the Home Office for an urgent and thorough review of its failure of duty of care towards asylum seekers. This Assembly calls on the Home Office to undertake a review of the UK’s asylum system to ensure a fair and firm points-based immigration system.”

Following debate and upon being put to a vote, the motion was agreed with 12 votes being cast in favour, and 3 votes cast against.