Hull asylum seekers find support amid rising tensions
Hull volunteers provide aid to asylum seekers after recent riots
In a bustling church hall in Hull, asylum seekers gather for tea, toast, and advice from immigration experts. This weekly event, run by volunteers, is the busiest it has been since recent riots. Initially, many attendees were too frightened to come out after the violence.
A hotel housing migrants became a target for rioters, similar to other towns and cities. Wahag, a 24-year-old migrant, watched the attack from a third-floor window. Speaking in Arabic through a translator, he described his fear as stones and rocks were thrown at the hotel. Wahag and other migrants were told to stay inside, worried about potential future riots.
He arrived in the UK a few months ago, journeying from Yemen via Europe in a small boat. The riots have given him mixed feelings about Britain, a place he thought would offer safety. He notes the presence of both good and bad people but appreciates the country’s government. Wahag recently received leave to remain in Britain from the Home Office, faster than he expected.
Kurdish community in Hull after the situation has died down:
“We are not gathered here out of nationalism but to protect this Masjid which is under Taqwa and the Tawheed of La ilaha il Allah”
“We do not oppress anyone but if they come to oppress us we will retaliate in defence” pic.twitter.com/LEU2A79ed2
— 🗻 (@ArkofZagros) August 5, 2024
His claim is one of many processed since Labour’s election victory, which aims to address the backlog of applications. He expressed happiness with Labour’s leadership, contrasting it with the previous government, which he felt sought to deport migrants.
Many migrants remain cautious about venturing out. William, from Kenya, believes asylum seekers are targeted due to misconceptions that they seek money or jobs. He finds it unfair that migrants are blamed for the support they receive. “It’s the Home Office and the government,” he says, arguing that if given the right to work, migrants wouldn’t need to live in hotels.
Mustafa, who arrived in the UK nine years ago hidden in a lorry, was also in the hotel during the riot. He recalls hearing threats to burn the hotel and praises the police for their protection. Earlier this year, Mustafa, an Iraqi national, was destitute after his asylum claim was rejected, leading him to sleep on a park bench. A fresh claim has since secured him a room in the hotel while awaiting a decision. He understands why some locals might be frustrated with his hotel accommodation but insists it’s not the migrants’ fault.
A Home Office spokesperson stated that efforts are underway to restore order to the asylum system, which has been under unprecedented pressure. They aim to process claims swiftly and fairly, with actions taken to reduce the backlog, projected to save £7 billion for taxpayers over the next decade.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What happened in Hull involving asylum seekers?
Asylum seekers in Hull faced riots targeting their hotel and now queue for advice and tea at a church hall.
Why were asylum seekers scared to go out after the riots in Hull?
Many were initially too scared due to the violence and the targeting of their hotel by rioters.
How did Wahag feel about the UK after the riots?
Wahag felt scared but also thought the UK has a good government, despite mixed views.
Why did William from Kenya believe asylum seekers were targeted?
He believes they were targeted because some people think migrants came to seek money or take jobs.
What changes did the Labour government make regarding asylum seekers?
Labour began tackling the backlog of asylum applications, making the process easier and quicker.
