More than 70 organisations have sent a statement to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood accusing the Government of creating a hostile environment for minoritised victims of violence and abuse
Dozens of women’s rights and migrant support organisations have accused the Government of pushing an “institutionally racist narrative” scapegoating migrants for state failures.
More than 70 groups have accused Labour of expanding a “hostile environment” that traps women and girls who are at risk of abuse. They warn that Keir Starmer cannot claim to be tackling violence against violence against women and girls and modern slavery while a “two-tier” system based on immigration status is in place.
They warn proposals in a controversial immigration white paper, launched in May, amounts to “state sanctioned violence”. In a joint statement sent to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood the groups said: “In order to justify sweeping new restrictions, the government’s White Paper constructs a misleading and institutionally racist narrative that scapegoats migrant communities for systemic failings of the State.”
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In their statement the groups have demanded an end to no recourse to public funds (NRPF) rules – a visa clause that prevents people claiming most benefits and housing allowances. They warn this denies women at the highest risk from getting support – which is exploited by abusers.
They also urged Ms Mahmood to fully rip up the Tory Illegal Migration Act and the Nationality and Borders Act, which stripped back protections for trafficking victims.
And the statement called for a “firewall” between support services and immigration enforcement – warning abuse victims are fearful of coming forward for fear of being deported.
Selma Taha, Executive Director of Southall Black Sisters, said: “The Immigration White Paper is a deplorable exhibit of this government’s embrace of far-right ideology in immigration policy.
“It risks pushing migrant women and other vulnerable communities further into destitution, danger, and systemic discrimination.” And Andrea Simon, director of End Violence Against Women Coalition, warned that without extending protections regardless of immigration status, the Government will fail to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade.
She said: “For too long we have seen how ‘hostile environment’ policies, expanded under the last government, put women and girls at greater risk of violence and abuse and deny their right to safety.
“The government will need to confront this if it is to achieve its ambition to halve VAWG within a decade and make sure that all women and girls can live free from abuse, without discrimination.”
The groups called for long-term funding for organisations that support women with NRPF – pointing to research that said this could save £127million over three years. And they warn discriminatory enforcement, lack of access to legal aid and support “further push Black and minoritised migrant women further into the margins”.
Gisella Vale, Director of the Latin American Women’s Rights Service, said: “The government cannot claim to protect women while upholding policies that put them at risk.
“Migrant survivors’ safety must come first, and all policies must reflect that priority and protect those most in need. Policies that blame immigration for violence not only create further danger for women trying to access safety, but also distract public attention from the real causes of violence and abuse.”
A government spokesman said: “We are taking measured steps to restore the sovereign right to control our borders. This follows years of unmanaged inward migration, which has placed considerable pressure across this country.
“A review of the modern slavery system is underway, aimed at preventing misuse and abuse, while ensuring the dignity and safety of those targeted by criminals remains fully protected.”
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