A GROUP that supports Carlisle's refugees and asylum seekers has said the Supreme Court's unanimous ruling of the Rwanda asylum policy being unlawful comes as a 'small relief'. 

Five justices at the UK’s highest court unanimously rejected the Government’s appeal over its policy of removing asylum seekers to the African nation if they arrive by unauthorised means, particularly due to the risk of those fleeing being returned to the country from where they fled.

In a statement released by Carlisle's Refugee Action Group (CRAG), they said: "The sheer volume of evidence ignored by the Home Office when putting forward this plan is horrifying and demonstrates our need to continue to stand in solidarity with those who have no voice." 

CRAG's James Cartwright shared hope that this decision brings some peace of mind to those who fled their homes in search of safety, even though the frailty of the asylum-seekers' situation isn't totally resolved.

"People in the hotels will be relieved that for now the threat of Rwanda has been pushed back. It's a small relief because people are still facing massive uncertainty with the news hotels will be closing in the next few months," he said. 

"What is happening now is people are getting a few days' notice before being moved elsewhere, often not knowing where they are going.

"The big question for them is will their case get heard, will they be able to restart their lives here, that is the question that overhangs. But there is definitely some relief from today's news." 

In line with over 200 men, women, and children being moved from the Hilltop Hotel and Cumbria Park Hotel in the coming months, CRAG is urgently seeking donations of large suitcases and hold-alls.

"We've had a few waves of people getting their notice and that will continue for the next few months. We still have people arriving from time to time as well. 

"We've seen the impact of people moving hotels in Carlisle, starting a football team, volunteering in community gardens and playing their part in church services. There will be a large part of the Carlisle community that will be sad to see them go," James said. 

Donations can be left in the loading bay of Carlisle Enterprise Centre, James St, CA2 5BB or organise collection by emailing crag@cowc.co.uk.