[[link removed]]Dear John,

Over the past few weeks, we’ve all had to adjust to a new normal. It’s hard to
come to terms with not being able to leave home whenever and for whatever reason
we want.

There’s also real fear of what the long-term impact of this crisis will be.

As history demonstrates, those at the margins of society often feel the sharp
edges of a crisis first and for the longest.

That is why it is more important than ever that we must do everything we can to
keep human rights and freedoms at the centre of the UK’s strategy on dealing
with this public health crisis.

Call on the Government to protect rights in coronavirus fight →
[[link removed]]The Government response so far hasn’t been encouraging.

The Home Office has told us “the health of everyone in the UK is the
Government’s priority, regardless of their immigration status” – but the hostile
environment is still in full effect.

This means undocumented migrants are too fearful to seek medical attention
during a pandemic.

Vital safeguards and protections for those of us who are disabled have been
suspended. People experiencing mental health crisis have also had essential
checks removed.

And we’ve all experienced a mass stripping of our civil liberties, with the
police given extraordinary powers which are already being applied unevenly.

These powers could last for two years, way beyond the expected length of the
pandemic.

Of course sacrifices must be made, but throughout history governments have
overstepped the mark in times of crisis. Hard-won rights and freedoms are too
frequently taken away again under the cover of an emergency. And temporary
suspension has a habit of turning into permanent erasure.

We can’t let that happen.
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We’re all prepared to make necessary changes, but everyone’s rights and freedoms
must be protected. Add your name to this commitment today.

We will beat this virus the right way.

Thank you for your support

Martha Spurrier
Director

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