It is so disappointing that the Illegal Immigration Bill will now become law. It effectively closes the door to nearly all people who seek to claim asylum as they escape war or persecution.  Please consider signing this open letter to the Prime Minister organised by CAFOD and / or writing to your MP. The Caritas Social Action Network (CSAN) website includes a template letter, instructions on how to find your MP and more details about the Bill if you wish to put together your own letter. Check how your MP voted and adjust your letter accordingly.

Also consider how you and your parish can respond. The Catholic Bishops Conference of England and Wales have produced the document ‘Love the Stranger’. In the Diocese, we have groups that have welcomed families through the Community Sponsorship Scheme . You can find out more about this scheme by listening to Amina, from Reset UK at our recent Welcome the Stranger Webinar. Other parishes support those already here through the provision of hot food, essentials, and warm hospitality. We are here to help if you would like to set up a project or we can connect you with a current project if you would like to find out more. Email us at caritas@portsmouthdiocese.org.uk