Action Matters

Justice for All campaign against cuts to legal aid and advice

Hello and a very Happy New Year!

Refugee Action has joined the Justice for All campaign against proposed cuts to free legal aid and independent advice, as we are concerned that refugees and those seeking asylum are among those who will be deeply affected. At the same time, the government proposes to cut funding for asylum advice services by over 60% this year, and to end advice for people given refugee status entirely. Our advice helps refugees find jobs and training, and build new lives in the UK. To lose this valuable service will undermine the UK?s proud history of offering sanctuary to those who have fled persecution.

On Wednesday we joined legal and advice agencies, other charities, politicians, trade unions, community groups and members of the public for the Justice for All launch in Parliament. The launch was a huge success, with hundreds of people turning up, to lobby 45 MPs and urge them to oppose the cuts.

More about the campaign and how you can help on our blog

Follow our progress on Facebook and Twitter

Refugee Action Leicester meet
their MP!

A delegation from our Leicester office came to the Justice for All Parliamentary lobby on Wednesday, and had a great meeting with Leicester West MP, Liz Kendall. Liz was very worried about how cuts to our services will impact her asylum seeking and refugee constituents in Leicester and will raise the issue with government. She's also coming to visit our Fresh Start project at the beginning of March, to meet the project manager and our clients, asylum-seeking women who would otherwise be destitute.

Read Amanda and Santok’s blog about the meeting here

Introducing CHARIOKE 2011!

In 2009, our fundraisers sang for ten hours to raise £13,000. Now we need YOU to help us Beat It!

Are you able to raise a minimum £400 and are available on Monday 14 March 2011 to be in Smithfield, London?

Every penny raised will go towards helping people who have fled persecution
and war. If your inner Gaga is just waiting to burst out,
email salmam@refugee-action.org.uk to find out how you can make a difference.

Don’t stop believing!