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.
You might like
Throwback portraits of the UK’s first punks
Punks 1978-1980 — While working as a photographer in the army, Wayne “Spike” Large would moonlight as a punk on the weekends. His new photobook revisits the characters that he captured from the genre’s heyday.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Meet Lady Pink, the ‘First Lady’ of graffiti
Miss Subway NYC — As a leading writer and artist in a man’s world, Sandra Fabara has long been a trailblazer for girls in underground art. Now, her new show touches on her legacy, while looking to the future.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Brian Eno announces Palestine fundraiser concert at Wembley Arena
Together for Palestine — It will take place on September 17, with “every penny donated” going to humanitarian relief in Gaza via Choose Love.
Written by: Ella Glossop
As Grindr scams in India rise, its LGBTQ+ community fights back
Red flags — Through mobilising the threat of outing queer folk, scammers are using dating apps to find targets for extortion, violence and blackmail. Mansi Rathee and Amir Bin Rafi spoke to people who have been affected, and reported on the community’s work to support victims and raise awareness.
Written by: Mansi Rathee
Euphoric portraits of queer joy and resistance at Trans Pride Brighton
Let us piss — Now over a decade old, the event grew to become Europe’s largest trans pride march. In a year when trans rights have come under the microscope more than ever, we went to this year’s edition, finding grassroots unity and collective rage.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Jack Johnson
Letting It All Out — Jack Johnson’s latest record, Sleep Through The Static, is more powerful and thought provoking than his entire back catalogue put together. At its core, two themes stand out: war and the environment. HUCK pays a visit to Jack’s solar-powered Casa Verde, in Los Angeles, to speak about his new album, climate change, politics, family and the beauty of doing things your own way.
Written by: Tim Donnelly
