Student Action for Refugees - How to keep fighting the Refugee Ban Bill

24 May 2023

This week, the House of Lords is reviewing government legislation that seeks to ban people from seeking asylum in the UK if they arrive through irregular routes. Read how the STAR network is taking a stand – and how you can get involved.

The ‘Illegal Migration’ Bill – also known as the Refugee Ban Bill – is an appalling attack on the right to seek asylum in the UK. If passed, it will strip people of their fundamental human rights and punish desperate people for taking desperate measures to reach safety. The UNHCR has labelled the draft legislation as an “asylum ban” and warned that it “would significantly undermine the international refugee protection system.”

STAR stands against the ‘Illegal Migration’ Bill. Our network of students and supporters across the UK want to see a fair, compassionate and effective asylum system that supports people to reach safety and to start participating in the community from day one. Read our full statement on the Bill.

As the Bill makes its way through Parliament, STAR groups across the UK have been taking a stand.

Stirling STAR’s open letter against the Bill

Stirling STAR have collected over 80 signatures from students, academics and local residents who are calling on the government to scrap the ‘Illegal Migration’ Bill.

Three students from Stirling STAR gathering signatures for their open letter

A handwritten sign reading 'Scotland Welcomes Refugees'

Open Letter Calling on the Government to Scrap the New Illegal Immigration Bill

“We started the open letter as we felt that Stirling’s voice needed to be heard and we wanted to take proactive action! Having conversations and starting dialogues when we had a stall in our atrium was a great way of raising awareness.”

Warwick STAR’s demonstration

Students at the University of Warwick joined Warwick STAR to voice their opposition to the Bill, right in the heart of their university campus.

“Warwick Uni is located very close to Coventry, where lots of refugees are housed, so we think it’s important to inform students that injustices are happening right on our doorstep. We hope to keep up the momentum for the rest of the term, doing all we can to stand up against this government’s cruel legislation!”

A Warwick university student at their demo against the Refugee Ban Bill

Protest signs reading 'Say it loud, say it clear'

Warwick university students at their demo against the Refugee Ban Bill

Protest signs for a demo against the Refugee Ban Bill

Edinburgh STAR’s protest art

Edinburgh STAR harnessed the power of art to challenge the harmful impact of government policy. They teamed up with Contemporary Art Soc to organise a workshop on protest art and the Illegal Migration Bill. Look out for the artwork in their upcoming zine!

Students creating protest art at Edinburgh STAR's workshop

WMS STAR’s panel event

Warwick Medical School STAR brought together students to learn and share about the impact of UK anti-immigration policies on health. The panel featured a fantastic range of experts from local and national organisations and local MP Zarah Sultana.

“It was definitely an eye-opener learning about what is happening to refugees in the UK at the moment, and is a reminder that we all need to advocate for the rights of others.”

What else can you do?

Contact your MP. Write to them by email or ask them for a meeting so that you (or your STAR group) can explain why you oppose the Bill. This is especially important if your MP has voted in favour of the Bill. You can use Refugee Action’s template email.
Sign the pledge to Fight the Anti-Refugee Laws. Your STAR group can sign the pledge to defend the right to seek safety from war and persecution in the UK. You can also call on your local authority to sign the pledge.
Raise awareness. Take inspiration from the events above! Get together with your STAR group or others in your community and organise an event to raise awareness about the Bill. This could be a demonstration, an open letter, an arts workshop, a speaker event – or something different. If you’re on a STAR committee, start by holding a meeting with your group to share ideas.
Talk to your friends, family, and people in your local community. Keep on spreading the word that this legislation is not who we are. And remember that, if you feel scared and disheartened, you are not alone. We will continue to fight for a fairer future together – and change is possible.

If you’re a member of a STAR group, get in touch with our Campaigns Manager Siobhán for advice about planning campaign actions.

If you’re interested in joining or setting up a STAR group, get in touch with our Student Network Organiser Lois.