Sunday, February 27

Sign the petition to support NUJ member James Fallah Williams

NUJ members in Manchester have set up a petition to campaign against attempts by the UK government to deport fellow NUJ member James Fallah-Williams.
Despite living, studying and working in the UK since he fled Sierra Leone at the height of the country's civil war in 1998, James's work permit was revoked in October 2010 after bureaucratic errors in his application for indefinite leave to remain was refused, and a fresh application for asylum was refused.
During his time in the UK, James has worked as a journalist writing articles critical about the political regime in Sierra Leone and about corruption in the country. His writing led to threats against him which led James and his supporters to fear for his safety if he was forced to return to Sierra Leone.
Chris Rea, Chair of NUJ Manchester Branch, said: "This is a clear human rights issue and we believe James must stay in the UK.  We are urging all NUJ members to support him by writing to their MPs and asking them to intervene with the Home Secretary and Immigration Minister on James' behalf."
Whilst awaiting a decision on his asylum claim James has been working as a volunteer at the Leigh Community Integration Project, providing support and skills training for migrants and local people in Leigh. He has since worked as an advice worker with Manchester Refugee Support Network.
Michelle Stanistreet, Deputy General Secretary of the NUJ, said: "NUJ members throughout the union can help James in his fight to remain in Manchester, the city he's made his home since fleeing Sierra Leone - please offer James your support by signing the petition."

How you can help:
You can sign the Online petition here: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/james_fallah-williams_own_up_ukba/

Text messages of support to James on 078 0058 6533.
Write to your MP asking them to raise James' case with the Home Secretary Theresa May.
You can contact your MP through the website:http://www.theyworkforyou.com/
Email/Fax/Write to Theresa May, Home Secretary
Ask her her to reconsider UKBA's decision that  James Fallah-Williams should leave the UK. You must include his Home Office Ref: number F1100038 in all correspondence.

Rt. Hon Theresa May, MP
Secretary of State for the Home Office,
2 Marsham St
London SW1 4DF

Fax: 020 7035 4745
Emails:mayt@parliament.uk
UKBApublicenquiries@UKBA.gsi.gov.uk
CITTO@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Privateoffice.external@homeoffice.gsi.gov.uk
Please let Branch know of any Emails/Faxes/letters sent:birminghamcoventry@nuj.org.uk

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