MORE than 80 representatives of civil society, refugee groups and trade unions have signed an open letter to the government demanding humanitarian visas and safe routes to sanctuary. 

Campaigners, including lawyers and faith groups, have called on the Prime Minister and Home Secretary to reconsider the Nationality and Borders Bill as it enters its report stage next week. 

All the organisations are expressing serious concerns about the way the government is handling its responsibilities under the International Refugee Convention of 1951.