West Midlands UNISON Members Stand Together at Historic Parliamentary Lobby

West Midlands UNISON Members Stand Together at Historic Parliamentary Lobby

On December 17th, UNISON members from across the country came together at the Houses of Parliament to take part in a historic national lobby in response to proposed government changes to migrant visas, including plans to increase indefinite leave to remain from five years to fifteen.

This was one of the largest UNISON lobbies ever to take place at Parliament, with over 800 social care workers travelling to London to make their voices heard. The West Midlands was proudly represented by a delegation of 40 members, standing in solidarity with colleagues from every region of the UK to challenge policies that threaten workers, families and the future of social care.

The day began at Portcullis House, where a small group of representatives from each region gathered to speak directly to government ministers. Ministers in attendance included Wes Streeting MP, Alex Norris MP and Stephen Kinnock MP.

These were not policy soundbites. Members delivered powerful, pre-prepared speeches rooted in lived experience – honest testimony about what it is like to work in social care while navigating the current visa system. Speakers shared the emotional and financial pressures faced by migrant workers and explained the devastating impact the proposed policy changes would have on individuals, their families, and the wider sector.

For many in the room, these testimonies were a stark reminder that behind every policy decision are real people who keep vital public services running.

The second part of the day focused on direct lobbying of MPs at the Methodist Hall. In the lead-up to the lobby, West Midlands UNISON members contacted their local MPs, inviting them to attend, listen, and engage with the realities faced by migrant social care workers.

Nationally, over 100 MPs attended the lobby or met directly with UNISON members. MPs heard first-hand accounts of the sacrifices made by workers who have chosen to build their lives in the UK while providing essential care to others. These conversations helped bring clarity and urgency to an issue that is often misunderstood or overlooked.

For our members, this was about more than telling stories – it was about demanding understanding, compassion and action from those in positions of power.

This lobby aimed to raise awareness among decision-makers of the profound impact these proposed changes will have – not just on migrant workers, but on the entire social care sector and the people who depend on it.

The strength of the West Midlands delegation, alongside UNISON members from across the UK, showed the power of collective action. December 17th was a day of unity, courage and solidarity – and a clear statement that UNISON will continue to stand up for migrant workers and defend the future of social care.

This is a day that will live long in the memory of all those who attended – and one that reinforces why our union, and our voices, matter.