A SILENT VIGIL opposing government plans to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda took place outside the Subscription Rooms on Monday evening (September 5).
Organised by Stroud District Together With Refugees around 70 people took part in the peaceful protest which included a 30-minute silence.
Judith Large, an organiser of SDTWR said: “The Stroud vigil was part of a national day of action protesting against the government's inhumane policies towards refugees and asylum seekers.
“Our vigils and demonstrations will continue all over the country until the deportations to Rwanda are stopped completely and safe routes made viable for those fleeing desperate conditions.”
In June, a similar demonstration was held.
Leader of Stroud District Council, Cllr Catherine Braun (Green, Wotton-under-Edge) spoke to protestors on the day.
She said there are often no safe or legal routes available for desperate people needing to flee situations of crisis and war, which is why there are rising numbers attempting to cross the Channel.
It comes as a High Court challenge against the government’s plan to deport some asylum seekers to Rwanda is set to begin.
In April, Home Secretary Priti Patel signed what she described as a ‘world-first agreement’ with Rwanda in a bid to deter migrants from crossing the Channel.
However, the first deportation flight – due to take off on June 14 – was grounded amid a series of legal challenges.
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