We joined hundreds of charities in signing an open letter to the UK’s incoming Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, urging him to reject the politics of division and forge a new path for asylum seekers and refugees in the UK.
The letter, coordinated by our campaign coalition partner Together With Refugees, has been signed by 219 organisations from local volunteer led groups to leaders of national charities including Care4Calais, Choose Love, City of Sanctuary UK, Freedom from Torture, NACCOM, Refugee Action, Refugee Council, Scottish Refugee Council and Women for Refugee Women.
The letter states: “As leaders of charities and organisations supporting refugees across the UK, we witness every day the extraordinary compassion shown by ordinary people. While recent scenes of far-right marches, intimidation and attempts to spread fear have dominated headlines, they do not reflect the reality we see in communities across the country.”
It goes on to say: “For too long, public debate has been shaped by hostile politics, divisive rhetoric and policies that have dehumanised people seeking asylum. Year after year, we have challenged measures rooted in performative cruelty and listened as refugees have been unfairly blamed for wider social and economic challenges. It is time to draw a clear line under this approach.”
It concludes: “Prime Minister, we ask you to reject the politics of division, and focus on what unites us, to build common ground, and to extend dignity, humanity and hope to those who have already endured so much.”
“Now is the time to champion a narrative that reflects the very best of our country, because we believe we are stronger together.”
