We welcome this much needed call for evidence. This evidence submission will address question 1 of the inquiry, “What do you consider to be the main causes of racial and ethnic disparities in the UK, and why?” We will provide evidence that is specific to the effects of the ‘hostile environment’ policy on migrants and the disparity this has caused.
The hostile environment policy has created a climate of fear for all migrants and communities of colour, from migrant key workers, to business owners, to international students, to those that have yet to receive Windrush compensation.
Current migration policy, narratives around migration used by public bodies, and language repeated by parliamentarians, wrongfully criminalises migrant communities. These sentiments increase racial disparity experienced in our communities, which affects communal relations with public bodies, government, and law enforcement. Importantly, these sentiments undermine the UK’s commitment to domestic and international human rights law.
This submission presents evidence collected by the Migrants’ Rights Network and other migrant organisations over recent years but we would welcome the opportunity to discuss any of these areas in further, in-depth detail.