Coventry Against Racism November Newsletter
Coventry against Racism (CAR) is a broad anti-racist group that has existed for a number of years. It is open to all organisations and individuals who are oppose racism and fascism.
THE HOSTILE ENVIRONMENT CONTINUES
Despite the platitudes from Government the Hostile Environment which has caused so much misery and injustice for so many of our citizens continues. Very few of those who are defined as the Windrush Generation have yet to receive compensation. And don’t forget that Government promised they would act on the Williams report. Neither should we forget that a number of the victimised people got thrown out of jobs, refused benefits and health care and having to sofa surf. And a number have died. On December 2nd further people are due to be deported from the UK, ignoring amongst other things Covid restrictions.
Likewise the passage without amendment of the Immigration Act has already resulted in homeless people being threatened many of who who have lost their jobs and homes due to the health crisis may now be deported in contravention of the European Declaration of Human Rights. We expect many EU Citizens to be placed at risk particularly if they have yet to pay and access the settlement scheme.
CAR is a supporter of the Status Now Network which calls for all undocumented citizens including those in the system to be given their dignity, allowed to work and be the right to remain and become citizens participating in the life of the Country. We have been in touch with both the Council and Cathedral asking them to become signatures to the Status Now Charter and approached all 3 MPs asking them to sign the Early Day Motion. Links to these are at the end of this newsletter.
At our recently held General Meeting of CAR many of the above matters were discussed and reports were taken on our proposed work in Schools and on the efforts to get a blue plaque for Frederick Douglas. The link to the petition again is at the end of this Newsletter.
https://statusnow4all.org/a-model-motion-for-promoting-and-supporting-statusnow4all/
https://edm.parliament.uk/early-day-motion/57173/leave-to-remain-status
YOU.38DEGREES.ORG.UK are running a petition to request Coventry City Council to erect a plaque to commemorate Frederick Douglass’s 1847 visit to Coventry. This is important as Coventry is the city of peace and reconciliation and will soon be city of culture.
If you want a speaker on any matters covered in this newsletter please e-mail info@coventryagainstracism.co.uk