Protestors target Aviva over immigration detention centre links

Protestors from the Boycott Bloody Insurance campaign group gathered outside of Aviva’s Norwich office today (24 July 2026) in opposition to the insurer’s links to two firms involved with the UK government’s immigrant housing and detention centre operations.

The protesters targeted Serco – which holds asylum accommodation, immigration detention centre management and immigration support services contracts with the UK’s Home Office – and Mears – which likewise holds asylum accommodation services contracts.

The group said it was calling on Aviva to “sever ties with companies accused of human rights abuses against migrants and asylum seeker”.

The protest is the second that Boycott Bloody Insurance has targeted at Aviva in recent months, following its disruption of the insurer’s annual general meeting (AGM) in May of this year.

Andrew Taylor, campaigner for Boycott Bloody Insurance, claimed that Aviva’s “five-plus years of cover have enabled Serco’s continued operation of immigration detention centres, round-the-clock surveillance of migrants and substandard housing provision”.

He added that it was “time for Aviva to break ties with Serco”.

’Stark reminder’

Hannah Hoechner, Green Party councillor for Nelson Ward in Norwich, echoed Taylor’s concerns around Serco, saying: “Serco’s role in the UK’s immigration system is a stark reminder of what happens when government outsources responsibility for vulnerable people’s lives.

“Despite serious concerns raised about the treatment of those detained in Serco-run facilities, the company continues to be awarded contracts worth billions from the UK government.

“The UK’s asylum system should be built on dignity, compassion and accountability – not on contracts that allow private companies to put profit over basic human rights.”