On 16 January 2022, Tanya Wills (Unite Community) represented Reading Trades Union Council in Oxford to protest against Priti Patel's Nationality and Borders Bill. The presence of RTUC's banner ensured solidarity was clearly seen with the trade unionists and other protesters in the City of Dreaming Spires.
Tanya joined the roster of speakers at the event, which included other trade unionists and representatives of student organisations, in a protest organised by Oxford Students' Union. The event took place outside the Clarendon Building and attracted approximately 70 people. Home-made placards with anti-racist and pro-immigrant statements were held aloft, ensuring the passing public received the message which was elaborated on in the speeches.
If passed into law, this bill will see British-born persons who have dual citizenship under threat of having their British citizenship revoked – without first being informed – at the whim of the Home Secretary. Even those without a second citizenship, who the government deem to be ‘linked’ to another country, would be at risk. This includes two-out-of-five minority ethnic people in Britain.
The bill epitomises ruling class hatred towards victims of war crimes and economic turmoil abroad, as well as disdain for minorities that consider themselves settled here in Britain. It is a continuation of racist policies that have unleashed fear and misery on minorities for decades.
The controversial Clause 9 of the bill – which was being debated in the House of Lords at the time of the protest – gives the government powers to revoke citizenship without any warning.
This bill, if passed, could endanger asylum seekers, revoke British citizenship without notifying the affected parties and, through the creation of a temporary protection status, “restrict the refugee students’ access to higher education”.
