Several women’s rights and migrant support groups have accused the Government of promoting a narrative that is deemed institutionally racist, shifting blame onto migrants for governmental shortcomings.
Over 70 organizations have criticized the Labour party for heightening a hostile environment that ensnares vulnerable women and girls facing abuse. They argue that Keir Starmer cannot effectively combat violence against women and girls and modern slavery while a discriminatory system based on immigration status persists.
The groups have raised concerns about the proposed changes outlined in a contentious immigration white paper released in May, labeling it as “state sanctioned violence.” In a joint communication addressed to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, they expressed that the government’s White Paper fabricates a misleading and institutionally racist story, unjustly holding migrant communities responsible for systemic governmental failures.
Their statement demands the discontinuation of the no recourse to public funds (NRPF) regulations, which prevent individuals from accessing most benefits and housing allowances. They argue that this restriction hampers the ability of women at high risk to seek support, thereby perpetuating exploitation by abusers.
Additionally, they urge Mahmood to completely repeal the Tory Illegal Migration Act and the Nationality and Borders Act, which have reduced protections for victims of trafficking.
Furthermore, the groups advocate for a separation between support services and immigration enforcement, highlighting that victims of abuse are reluctant to seek help out of fear of deportation.
Selma Taha, Executive Director of Southall Black Sisters, expressed, “The Immigration White Paper epitomizes the government’s adoption of far-right ideologies within immigration policies.
“It jeopardizes the well-being of migrant women and other vulnerable communities, pushing them further into poverty, peril, and systemic bias.” Additionally, Andrea Simon, director of End Violence Against Women Coalition, cautioned that without extending protections regardless of immigration status, the Government’s goal of reducing violence against women and girls (VAWG) by half within a decade will remain unattainable.
She emphasized, “We have witnessed how ‘hostile environment’ policies, expanded under the previous administration, increase the vulnerability of women and girls to violence and abuse, and infringe upon their right to safety.
“The government must confront this issue to achieve its objective of halving VAWG within a decade and guarantee that all women and girls can live free from abuse and discrimination.”
The organizations have called for sustained funding for groups aiding women