Sometimes the obvious things don't come to mind. I should have taken the question a Positive Action in Housing activist asked me when giving a talk on Amnesty International's activities to protect refugees and campaign for a just asylum system as inspiration. She asked me what Amnesty's stance is on the so-called "dawn-raids" as a method of removal of those asylum seekers whose legal cases have come to an end and who have not acquired leave to remain. I had to say that I wasn't aware of any stand on this, or a statement, but knew for a fact that individual AI members in Glasgow were apalled by this practice and strongly opposed it. Subsequently, I asked both at the AIUK and Scottish Office whether such a stance or a statement exists, but clearly due to the Christmas break being near and all that I have so far not received a reply. Only just before setting off for Christmas did the obvious thought occur to me that either I as an individual or our local AI group, or even two or three Glasgow AI groups could actually submit a motion to the next AIUK AGM asking the UK section of AI to lobby for a protocol for dawn raids when families are involved, a family amnesty, and the general consideration of alternatives to dawn raids, as well as prior involvement of childrens' and educational services to insure a dignified and humane removal of "failed" asylum seekers. The problem is that the deadline is very near, and the AIUK office is closed until 4th January. It'll be a close call, but if I do get this through it may make quite a differance so I'll have a go anyway. I just wish I'd have had this idea a month ago.