Hundreds gather to protest the Tories’ Rwanda plans
- Text by Ben Smoke
- Photography by Aiyush Pachnanda
Last week the government announced plans to offshore asylum claims to Rwanda in a brand new immigration deal. The deal, which was announced by Prime Minister Boris Johnson as Home Secretary Priti Patel was in the Rwandan capital Kigali, would see those who reach the UK via channel crossings taken to a processing centre in Yorkshire before being relocated to Rwanda.
The deal was immediately met with outrage and anger from across the political spectrum. Many have referred to it as cruel and inhumane. The Archbishop of Canterbury has referred to it as “ungodly”. Critics of the plan have pointed out the failed iteration of a similar plan signed by Israel and Rwanda, and the widespread misery, pain and horror caused by Australia’s offshoring scheme (one holding site was forced to shut down following widespread allegations of neglect, mistreatment and human rights abuses).
In protest of the plans, hundreds gathered outside the Home Office last Thursday. The crowd heard speeches from those who work in migrants rights organisations, politicians including Nadia Whittome MP, Labour member for Nottingham East, and those at the sharpest edges of the Hostile Environment. After the finishing of speeches, crowds marched through the streets of Westminster to Downing Street and on to Trafalgar Square.
Photographer Aiyush Pachnanda was there to capture the action.
Sign the petition calling on the government to cancel the Rwanda deal here.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter and Instagram.
Latest on Huck
In a city of rapid gentrification, one south London estate stands firm
A Portrait of Central Hill — Social housing is under threat across the British capital. But residents of the Central Hill estate in Crystal Palace are determined to save their homes, and their community.
Written by: Alex King
Analogue Appreciation: Maria Teriaeva’s five pieces that remind her of home
From Sayan to Savoie — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. First up, the Siberian-born, Paris-based composer and synthesist.
Written by: Maria Teriaeva
Petition to save the Prince Charles Cinema signed by over 100,000 people in a day
PCC forever — The Soho institution has claimed its landlord, Zedwell LSQ Ltd, is demanding the insertion of a break clause that would leave it “under permanent threat of closure”.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Remembering Taboo, the party that reshaped ’80s London nightlife
Glitter on the floor — Curators Martin Green and NJ Stevenson revisit Leigh Bowery’s legendary night, a space for wild expression that reimagined partying and fashion.
Written by: Cyna Mirzai
A timeless, dynamic view of the Highland Games
Long Walk Home — Robbie Lawrence travelled to the historic sporting events across Scotland and the USA, hoping to learn about cultural nationalism. He ended up capturing a wholesome, analogue experience rarely found in the modern age.
Written by: Isaac Muk
The rave salvaging toilets for London’s queers
Happy Endings — Public bathrooms have long been contested spaces for LGBTQ+ communities, and rising transphobia is seeing them come under scrutiny. With the infamous rave-in-a-bog at an east London institution, its party-goers are claiming them for their own.
Written by: Ben Smoke