Protest at removals of asylum seekers to Cardiff

Report on protest at removals.    There was snow on Wednesday 6^th January so many people who wanted to be at the protest couldn’t make it, and many assumed the removal would be cancelled.

However, even though the Bristol buses weren’t running at that time in the morning, the coach for Cardiff turned up.

Asylum seekers were arriving, some with cases, some just with bags, one man carrying his belongings in a black plastic bin liner.

There were probably 50 friends and supporters to show their solidarity, and protest at the treatment.

All the people being removed were men, some who had lived in Bristol for many years, some with family .. wives, partners  and children they were leaving behind, some who had worked and paid taxes - one for 6 years before he had suddenly had his employment rights taken away, one who was receiving regular and essential hospital treatment.

Refugee Action were not involved in the removal. They hadn’t been consulted and when informed about it had expressed their concern. The location was chosen as a pick up point presumably because all the asylum seekers would know where it was and how to get there.

As far as I could tell, no one was in charge of the process apart from the bus driver who was checking people’s papers. We queried some of the cases by phoning up MP Kerry McCarthy’s secretary who advised some not to go. In response to previous messages, Kerry McCarthy MP, Stephen Williams MP and Steve Webb MP had expressed concern to the UK Border Agency and challenged the reasons for the removal. Their support and speaking out is really appreciated but it was a shame that there was no person there to represent them and witness what is being done in our name.

We believe that 22 people went on the coach in the end. I think our presence there made a difference to the asylum seekers and their friends, lifting their spirits to some extent and restoring some dignity. We gave them details of Cardiff support groups and phone numbers. Many of us, including the friends put up some passive resistance, with snow sculptures and linking arms and singing and chanting. The police presence increased and we were removed!!

The BBC were there the whole time filming and interviewing and the report was on radio and throughout the day on TV. They have been thanked for their interest.

We should continue to protest and express our concern. The MPs who have questioned this action have not yet been given credible or satisfactory answers.  We believe that the people who decided and implemented this removal should be held to account  and there should be no further removals.