Celebrating Progress: The Common Certificate of Sponsorship Debate
Yesterday marked a historic milestone for migrant workers under the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) visa system in the UK. In a pivotal Westminster Hall debate, Neil Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole, led discussions on the Potential Merits of Government Support for a Certificate of Common Sponsorship, a reform aimed at addressing the systemic challenges faced by workers tied to restrictive sponsorship conditions.
Among those present to witness and support this transformative debate were Wacuka Kabute, a passionate advocate for migrant workers’ rights, and fellow South West UNISON Regional Secretary Kerry Baigent, regional organiser Tom Kennedy-Hughes, and activists Adekunle Akinola and Waetsi Anyanwu. Their attendance represented the collective voice of migrant workers and unionists who have tirelessly fought for fairer treatment, dignity, and equity within the UK labour system.
Wacuka’s personal journey, alongside the stories of thousands of migrant workers, served as a powerful testament to the urgent need for reform. The debate shone a spotlight on the lived realities of many under the current CoS system, including exploitation, the inability to change employers, family separation, and the lack of opportunities for growth and stability.
The discussion revealed the depth of support for reform, as several MPs passionately advocated for the proposed Certificate of Common Sponsorship, sharing compelling stories from their constituents who have been victims of the current regime. However, there was also a dissenting voice rooted in distorted narratives around “net migration” and concerns about indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and access to public funds. These objections were seen as misinformed and reflective of biases that fail to acknowledge the immense contributions migrant workers make to the UK, including their critical role in sustaining public services like the NHS.
Despite these dissenting views, the debate was an undeniable success. For one, it is rare to have both the Minister for Migration and Citizenship and the Shadow Minister present to share their perspectives on an issue during a Westminster Hall debate. The openness shown by the Minister to engage in discussions and explore solutions to the challenges faced by migrant workers was encouraging. While some of the measures proposed by the Minister were well-intentioned, they do not comprehensively address the root issues.
UNISON South West, supported by its secretary Kerry Baigent and her dedicated team, played a crucial role in ensuring the debate’s impact. UNISON's efforts including the draft of a detailed MP briefing, were instrumental in providing clarity on the issue and galvanizing support. In the weeks ahead, UNISON plans to collaborate with other unions through the Trades Union Congress, starting with the South West region, to push for effective solutions and launch a national campaign addressing the CoS system’s flaws.
This debate marked the beginning of a hopeful journey, with the motion advancing to the next stages of becoming a full-fledged policy. If successful, this reform will empower migrant workers by allowing them to change employers within their sector, alleviating the exploitation and servitude many currently endure.
Wacuka Kabute and her fellow UNISON members left the debate with a renewed commitment to continue the fight for justice, dignity, and equity for all workers. Their advocacy and dedication are paving the way for a system that values contributions, ensures fair treatment, and fosters growth for migrant workers across the UK.
Watch the debate here: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/ac9dbf38-91f5-4292-bdaf-bd851b0eec96?in=16%3A30%3A09&fbclid=IwY2xjawH_qrdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHe7qiTli1LjxTomZz6QnNGigQc89U8N59zioNXIMJGqjAnSiGJX1bIfJtw_aem_xNaBiWPCPjmun88P3a-lKQ.
The journey towards justice continues, and together, we move closer to a fairer and more equitable system for all.
Yesterday marked a historic milestone for migrant workers under the Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) visa system in the UK. In a pivotal Westminster Hall debate, Neil Duncan-Jordan, MP for Poole, led discussions on the Potential Merits of Government Support for a Certificate of Common Sponsorship, a reform aimed at addressing the systemic challenges faced by workers tied to restrictive sponsorship conditions.
Among those present to witness and support this transformative debate were Wacuka Kabute, a passionate advocate for migrant workers’ rights, and fellow South West UNISON Regional Secretary Kerry Baigent, regional organiser Tom Kennedy-Hughes, and activists Adekunle Akinola and Waetsi Anyanwu. Their attendance represented the collective voice of migrant workers and unionists who have tirelessly fought for fairer treatment, dignity, and equity within the UK labour system.
Wacuka’s personal journey, alongside the stories of thousands of migrant workers, served as a powerful testament to the urgent need for reform. The debate shone a spotlight on the lived realities of many under the current CoS system, including exploitation, the inability to change employers, family separation, and the lack of opportunities for growth and stability.
The discussion revealed the depth of support for reform, as several MPs passionately advocated for the proposed Certificate of Common Sponsorship, sharing compelling stories from their constituents who have been victims of the current regime. However, there was also a dissenting voice rooted in distorted narratives around “net migration” and concerns about indefinite leave to remain (ILR) and access to public funds. These objections were seen as misinformed and reflective of biases that fail to acknowledge the immense contributions migrant workers make to the UK, including their critical role in sustaining public services like the NHS.
Despite these dissenting views, the debate was an undeniable success. For one, it is rare to have both the Minister for Migration and Citizenship and the Shadow Minister present to share their perspectives on an issue during a Westminster Hall debate. The openness shown by the Minister to engage in discussions and explore solutions to the challenges faced by migrant workers was encouraging. While some of the measures proposed by the Minister were well-intentioned, they do not comprehensively address the root issues.
UNISON South West, supported by its secretary Kerry Baigent and her dedicated team, played a crucial role in ensuring the debate’s impact. UNISON's efforts including the draft of a detailed MP briefing, were instrumental in providing clarity on the issue and galvanizing support. In the weeks ahead, UNISON plans to collaborate with other unions through the Trades Union Congress, starting with the South West region, to push for effective solutions and launch a national campaign addressing the CoS system’s flaws.
This debate marked the beginning of a hopeful journey, with the motion advancing to the next stages of becoming a full-fledged policy. If successful, this reform will empower migrant workers by allowing them to change employers within their sector, alleviating the exploitation and servitude many currently endure.
Wacuka Kabute and her fellow UNISON members left the debate with a renewed commitment to continue the fight for justice, dignity, and equity for all workers. Their advocacy and dedication are paving the way for a system that values contributions, ensures fair treatment, and fosters growth for migrant workers across the UK.
Watch the debate here: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/ac9dbf38-91f5-4292-bdaf-bd851b0eec96?in=16%3A30%3A09&fbclid=IwY2xjawH_qrdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHe7qiTli1LjxTomZz6QnNGigQc89U8N59zioNXIMJGqjAnSiGJX1bIfJtw_aem_xNaBiWPCPjmun88P3a-lKQ.
The journey towards justice continues, and together, we move closer to a fairer and more equitable system for all.
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The Muritius Prime Minister Pravind Kumar Jugnauth had the opportunity to personally congratulate Prime Minister@Keir_Starmer
and pointed that he is confident that both Governments will continue their collaboration in various fields and uphold values dear to both countries. |
Earlier on the Prime minister had a fruitful discussions with Foreign Secretary @DavidLammy who bot Committed to further strengthen bilateral ties between UK and Mauritius. 'We look forward to pursuing our negotiations on the exercise of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago & hope for a swift conclusion beneficial to both our countries'
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