MORE than 80 representatives of civil society, refugee groups and trade unions have signed an open letter to the government demanding humanitarian visas and safe routes to sanctuary. 

Campaigners, including lawyers and faith groups, have called on the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to reconsider the Nationality and Borders Bill as it enters its report stage next week. 

All the organisations are expressing serious concerns about the way the government is handling its responsibilities under the International Refugee Convention of 1951. 

These concerns were heightened following the government’s response to last week’s tragedy in the English Channel, where dozens died. 

Positive Action in Housing director Robina Qureshi said: “The Nationality and Borders Bill seeks to criminalise those who survive the peril of the seas and those at Dover who try to help them, and is in danger of wreaking murderous consequences for the relatively few who seek sanctuary here.  

“This anti-refugee Bill does nothing to increase safe routes. With limited resettlement options, dangerous crossings are the only route for most people claiming asylum in the UK.”

The letter comes as The Asylum Seekers (Permission to Work) Bill, introduced by SNP MP Carol Monaghan, is due to receive its second reading tomorrow.

The Bill, if passed, would grant asylum-seekers the right to work in Britain — overturning the ban imposed on them by the government. 

Ms Monaghan said: “There is no doubt that the system is broken, and that radical reform is required. 

“By backing my Asylum Seekers (Permission to Work) Bill, the UK government would be taking a step in the right direction by showing asylum-seekers the dignity and respect they deserve.”

The government was approached for comment.