The Athenian Laws introduced by Draco c.621 BCE were said to be written not in ink but blood. The UK government’s Illegal Migration Bill currently going through Parliament is draconian. It effectively puts an end to the UK’s asylum system as we know it and to many of the protections of the Modern Slavery Act. It is an unprecedented attack on the human rights of migrants. MMB is organising this emergency discussion to outline key aspects of the Bill, why it matters – for all of us and not only people seeking refuge – and what can be done. It will also initiate a conversation about the role of academic research on migration at a time of legitimised hostility to migrants and people who work with them.

Chair:

Bridget Anderson, MMB Director, Professor of Migration, Mobilities and Citizenship, University of Bristol.

Speakers:

Ann Singleton, MMB Policy Strategic Lead, Reader in Migration Policy, University of Bristol.

Colin Yeo, Immigration barrister and founder and editor of the Free Movement website.

Andrew McCarthy, Head of Services, Bristol Refugee Rights.

A Zoom link will be sent to attendees the evening before the event.

Illegal Migration Bill - Emergency Discussion