amplifiers have opposed the government’s “horrific” policy of sending some migrants to Rwanda in a series of protests in the UK.
According to Care4Calais, a refugee charity, protests are expected to take place in Cambridge, Cardiff, Coventry, Leeds, Manchester, Oxford and Sheffield.
activists “Refugees are welcome here”.
Social media images also appeared to show people protesting outside the Brook House Immigration Removal Centre, near Gatwick Airport, and the Colnbrook Immigration Removal Centre, near Heathrow Airport.
The demonstrations were convened as part of the #StopRwanda campaign launched by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Care4Calais and Stand Up To Racism.
The campaign is supported by 11 unions, including the Public and Commercial Services Union (PCS) – which represents more than 80% of Border Force personnel, refugee rights organizations and faith groups.
In April, Minister of the Interior Come on Patel signed what it called a ‘world first’ agreement to send migrants believed to have arrived in the UK illegally to Rwanda.
Ms Patel says the “vast majority” of those arriving in the UK through means deemed “illegal” – such as on unauthorized boats or stowed in lorries – will be eligible for relocation.
The first deportation flight – due to take off in June – was grounded amid legal difficulties.
A judicial review of the plan was set to be heard on July 19, but charities including Care4Calais and Detention Action — which are seizing the case — said the hearing has been postponed to September.
All candidates vying to replace Boris Johnson have pledged to keep Rwanda policy if they become Conservative Party leader.
Clare Moseley, CEO of Care4Calais, said: “We know that many people are opposing Rwanda’s shockingly brutal plan and we are delighted that so many of them are making their voices heard today.
“We have seen up close the human costs of locking people up and telling them they will be sent to Rwanda.
“From suicide attempts to hunger strikes, it was harrowing.
“We now have six weeks to Government that this cruel plan is not what the British public wants.”
Mark Serwotka, general secretary of the PCS union, said: “It is time for the government to show humanity to the people who come to our shores to seek refuge, and to start arranging the asylum system seriously, so that refugees are fair and according to the law.”
Weyman Bennett, co-organizer of Stand Up To Racism, criticized Rwanda’s “appalling detention policy.”
In April, Ms Patel said: “We have signed a world-leading migration partnership with Rwanda which will allow those who arrive in the UK dangerously, illegally or unnecessarily to be relocated to consider their asylum applications and, if recognized as refugees, their residence there .
“This will help break the business model of people smugglers and prevent the loss of life, while protecting the truly vulnerable.”
The Interior Ministry has been contacted for comment.