In the context of a growing far-right and anti-migrant presence on our streets, it is more important than ever for us to share space and build knowledge together. We have listened to our community and heard that people need more information on their rights and their options for accessing somewhere safe to stay, and a way to pay for their basic living costs. When this is not possible, destitution is a risk and a reality for lots of people. 

Destitution means having nowhere to live, or no way of paying for food and basic needs such as shelter, water, warmth, clothes or sanitary items. Our new Destitution Key Guide explains different ways to access support if you are facing destitution, and practical tips for staying safe and supporting others in your community. 

Destitution is a growing problem, but it is not one that is caused by migrants. It is the consequence of years of austerity and an obsessive political focus on endless economic growth, over safe and sustainable communities. Restrictions on rights that are attached to different immigration statuses can mean that people in the UK with temporary status or without permission are at a much higher risk of experiencing destitution. 

The immigration and asylum system is not designed to be kind or accommodating, but the reality is that we need to navigate this system to obtain even basic rights. Our new Destitution Key Guide helps you think about your situation and your options, by sharing practical tips, based on what we know from our community about the reality of living in the UK under the hostile environment.

At Right to Remain, we aim to resist and disrupt hostile systems by building knowledge, solidarity and power in our communities. Understanding and sharing information on the rights and restrictions created by the immigration system is one step towards effective mutual aid and community protection. But protecting each other needs to go deeper than this, and become part of our everyday interactions and thought processes. 

This summer, we have seen the devastating consequences of ignoring climate change happen in real time, but while we sweat through long hot days, communities in the global south are hit with natural disasters that kill thousands, and displace many more. Yet instead of acknowledging this and taking action to protect us and the planet we call home, we are back in the age-old game of divide and rule. The government and the media continue to use migrants as scapegoats to distract from their own failings, ignoring the bigger issues that we are all facing together.

This loud divisive presence that shows up as facism feels intense, and the government is not making any real efforts to get the noise down. At the same time, their focus remains on enforcement, with plans to expand the detention estate, and ever stricter immigration rules and policy pushing more people into situations of destitution. Experiencing all of this at once can make it hard to differentiate between violence from the state and from the far-right and find a way to feel safe.

We know this feels like a lot to carry, but being angry and worried about it means we care, and we need to care to create change. There is no quick solution to any of this, but we keep repeating this: nobody is coming to save us. This doesn’t mean that we should give up, but what is even clearer after what we have been seeing and experiencing over the past weeks and months is that we can’t rely on people in positions of power to protect us. We need to keep showing up for each other, even when it feels hard or hopeless.

Keeping each other safe is not about one heroic act or big speech; it is the long, slow and sometimes menial work that we do every day to make life a bit better for each other. Our communities are strong because we care about each other, and because we choose solidarity in every small act of support or resistance. We can’t afford to stop this now with so much at stake. 

With love and Solidarity – Louise Watts, Legal Education Officer

Read some of our recent blogs talking about how we can show up for each other, and how important this is for building community strength and resilience

Access our Key Guide and share it with your community using the button below.