A group of pro-refugee activists interrupted a speech by Prit Patel at a Conservative party dinner in protest against the Rwanda migrant deal.
Eight members from the Green New Deal Rising group disrupted a speech from the Home Secretary on Friday where they called for the “cruel” migrant deal to be dropped.
As Ms Patel began her speech at the Bassetlaw Conservative Association Spring Dinner, one member of the group stood up where she said that Ms Patel’s policies “are killing people”.
She went to say that the plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda was “inhumane”.
As she spoke, the protester was met with booes from the crowd before she was escorted away from the venue. Other members of the group, however, stood up one by one at the event before the crowd shouted “out, out, out”.
Last night we disrupted @pritipatel because her #Rwandaplan is cruel, morally bankrupt & it will cost lives.
— Green New Deal Rising (@GNDRising) May 7, 2022
We demand the Government drops this widely condemned policy & provides support for people seeking safety.
No matter where we come from, we all deserve dignity & respect pic.twitter.com/DQDzC2aMCB
In a tweet accompanying their video, the group said: “We’re sickened to see the Gov ramping up its hostile policies rather than helping those fleeing from war, poverty & extreme weather.
“As climate change displaces entire communities, leaving people vulnerable to exploitation & violence, we must act with compassion.
“And as a country with a long history of exploiting people and resources, the UK must recognise its responsibility.
“We call on the Government to provide an accessible & decent system for people seeking refuge, to drastically cut emissions and to pay its dues!”
The Rwanda deal has been met with staunch criticism since it was unveiled by the Government.
The UK has prmised an initial £120million as part of the deal whereby migrants who make illegal journeys to the UK, will be sent to Rwanda to have their asylum processed, but the deal has been criticised by some, including the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby who labelled it as “ungodly”.
The Home Office, however, has argued the deal will tackle illegal migration and help control the UK’s borders. The Government also helps the deal will crack down on criminal gangs who are exploiting the migrant crisis.
