REFUGEE PROJECT

Early day motion 1485, tabled 8 July 2004 by John McDonnell (Labour). Signed by 34 members.

That this House welcomes the launch of the Refugee Project and deplores the scapegoating of asylum seekers and refugees; believes that freedom of movement for all is a fundamental human right; welcomes voluntary migration but resolutely opposes forced migration; notes that the vast majority of refugees and asylum seekers are fleeing from conflict, or from social or economic oppression; recognises the role that UK overseas investment, particularly arms sales and large-scale infrastructure projects such as dams and oil pipelines, can play in forcing people to leave their homes and in supporting oppressive regimes; notes how further support for such regimes through the war on terror is effectively criminalising whole refugee communities; notes the subsidy that the British Government provides through the Export Credits Guarantee Department and the World Bank for many projects which result in forced migration; and urges the government to take action to prevent UK involvement in forced migration and its root causes.

Signatures by party: Labour 22, Liberal Democrat 7, Plaid Cymru 3, Labour/Co-operative 2.