Challenges facing refugees in London

London is home to refugees from across the world who have come to the capital from a range of countries over recent decades.

The Illegal Migration Bill was introduced in the House of Commons in March 2023.

The Government described the Bill as a response to a “broken” asylum system, with the numbers arriving on small boats in 2022 exceeding 45,700 – a 60 per cent increase on the 28,500 who arrived in 2021 ^[1].

In May, the Greater London Authority (GLA) organised an “emergency summit” on the Illegal Migration Bill, convening more than 200 attendees including Local Authorities, civil society organisations, and statutory bodies ^[2].

The event’s purpose was to “deliberate on the anticipated consequences of this legislation and discuss potential measures to alleviate its effects”. It made recommendations on how various organisations in London should respond to the Bill.

What are the key issues facing refugees in London in 2023? The full London Assembly will meet tomorrow to discuss this and what support is provided by the Mayor and other agencies.

The guests are:

• Tom Copley, Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development
• Heather Juman, Assistant Director for Housing, GLA
• Tunde Olayinka, Executive Director for Communities and Skills, GLA
• Hannah Boylan, Head of Migration, GLA
• Enver Solomon, Chief Executive, The Refugee Council
• Helena McGinty, Member of the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Steering Group

Following the Q&A session a number of motions will be debated.

The meeting will take place on Thursday 7 September from 10am, in The Chamber, at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.

Media and members of the public are invited to attend.

The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.

Follow us @LondonAssembly.