Pod Save the UK

Fighting the Rwanda Bill + Mr Kumar goes to Westminster

Apr 4, 2024

The podcast delves into the UK's asylum policy, featuring discussions on the Rwanda Bill and refugee rights. Nish visits the House of Lords to speak with Lord Dubs and explores the challenges asylum seekers face in Calais. They highlight the importance of establishing safe routes for refugees and the power of art in shaping perceptions. The episode offers insightful reflections on engaging with policymakers and emphasizes the need for international cooperation in aiding refugees.

43:36

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Quick takeaways

Advocating for humanitarian policies can positively impact refugees' lives and create better outcomes for vulnerable individuals.

International collaboration among progressive parties is crucial to shape humane refugee policies and counter hostile narratives.

Deep dives

Reflection on the Power of Government in Changing Lives

Discussing the potential impact of government policies on people's lives, Lord Dubbs expressed a strong belief in the government's ability to positively influence ordinary individuals, including vulnerable asylum seekers. He emphasized the role of governments in creating better outcomes for refugees and asylum seekers, stressing that small victories matter in improving human lives despite challenges.

Introduction

2min

Reflections on Refugee Policies

10min

Safeguarding Rights, Opposing Legislation, and Refugee Perspectives in Calais

5min

Advocacy for Safe and Legal Routes for Refugees

15min

Insightful Reflections at the House of Lords

6min

Engaging with Westminster and Activism

3min

With the Government’s controversial Rwanda Bill currently stuck between the Commons and the Lords, this timely special episode focuses on the UK’s asylum policy. Nish takes up an invitation to speak about the issue at the House of Lords. The event has been organised by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, in conjunction with the makers of a new film called Io Capitano - which follows the perilous migration journey of two young boys travelling from Senegal to Europe in search of a better life.

Nish joins Labour peer Lord Dubs, the co-chair of the APPG on Refugees, in his office afterwards to hear how he and his colleagues are “digging their heels in” to try and amend the Rwanda Bill. Lord Dubs tells Nish what he learnt from a recent trip to Calais to meet asylum seekers first-hand. They also discuss what a more humane asylum system might look like and whether the next Labour government can deliver it. Back in the studio, Nish and Coco discuss the extent to which arts and culture can have the power to bring about change.

With special thanks to Altitude Films and Think-Film Impact Production.

Pod Save the UK is a Reduced Listening production for Crooked Media.

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Guest:

Lord Dubs, Labour peer and co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees

Useful link:

Io Capitano trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6fLvLN2EqM