Christians call on Andy Burnham to uphold the dignity of those seeking asylum

Simon Giarchi, Caritas Plymouth; Montfort, JRS, Kate Nightingale SVP, Angela, JRS UK, Fiona Ranford , CSAN

Catholic charities have handed in a petition from parishes and individuals across the UK, calling on Andy Burnham to defend the right to asylum and uphold the dignity of people seeking refuge, ahead of the Catholic Church's World Day of Migrants and Refugees.

The petition, organised by the Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN), St Vincent de Paul Society and Jesuit Refugee Service UK calls on the government to:

- Restore the right to asylum
- Place dignity and protection at the heart of the asylum system
- End immigration detention

The petition is delivered at a time when the right to seek asylum continues to be eroded through restrictive policy and legislation. An absence of safe routes, the halving of refugee protection from five years to 30 months, the criminalisation of people seeking sanctuary, the ending of refugee family reunion and a significant increase in the use of immigration detention, have been accompanied by increasingly harsh and dehumanising rhetoric in political debate.

The Immigration and Asylum Bill (2026), currently going through parliament, continues this direction by eroding family rights, undermining trust in the asylum appeals system, and charging refugees for the support they received while waiting for claims to be processed.

The petition was handed in days before the Catholic Church marks the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on Sunday 27th September. It is the culmination of the Welcome the Stranger: Defend Asylum campaign, which was launched at Pentecost by the three Catholic charities and supported by Bishop Paul McAleenan, the lead Catholic Bishop for migrants and refugees.

Sophie Cartwright from JRS UK said: "We see every day the impact of hostility and cruel policies targeting women, men and children seeking sanctuary. It is so encouraging that parishes, groups and individuals across the UK are calling for a different approach - rooted in humanity and dignity. As Christians we are called to welcome refugees."

Fiona Ranford from CSAN said: "Pope Leo XIV, in his message for World Day for Migrants and Refugees, has called for a supportive response to refugees which guarantees protection, welcome and real opportunities for those who migrate to become part of communities.

Catholic communities across the UK are playing a crucial role in offering this supportive and welcoming response. But now they are calling on the UK government to play their part and change course by building a society which acknowledges the fundamental dignity of every person first - ensuring the right to asylum and to build a life for themselves and their families - rather than denying dignity based on where they were born or how they travelled to the UK."

Meghan Lawrence from the SVP said: "Every person seeking safety and sanctuary has a story, a family and a future that matters. Through our work across England and Wales, SVP members see first-hand the difference that compassion, welcome and practical support can make to people who have been forced to leave their homes.

"As Catholics, we are called to welcome the stranger and to stand alongside people who are experiencing hardship and uncertainty. We urge the Government to ensure that our asylum system upholds the dignity of every person, protects those seeking refuge and gives families the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety."

For more information on the campaign visit: Welcome the stranger: defend the right to asylum | JRS UK