More than 180 organisations are backing a letter to leaders of all parties calling for a clear stand in opposition to violence “against those who come here to find safety”.
The letter released today, and co-ordinated by coalition campaign Together With Refugees, criticises “inflammatory language” and policies that “demonise” people seeking refuge.
It warns of a “high risk of more premeditated extremist attacks around the country” following the violence outside the Suites Hotel in Knowsley, Liverpool, last week.
St Chad’s Sanctuary, Jesuit Refugee Service UK, Westminster Justice and Peace Commission, Justice and Peace Scotland and Columban missionaries in Britain are among the Church signatories who joined in deploring the disturbances on 10 February, when several hundred far-right demonstrators protested against asylum seekers housed in a hotel by the Home Office.
Witnesses at the hotel said missiles were thrown and demonstrators set a police van and its equipment on fire. There were 15 arrests. A refugee from Afghanistan was heard to say: “I wasn’t safe in my country and I’m not safe here.”
The letter's signatories called on those in charge to “create a system that is fair and compassionate, and brings cohesion instead of division”.
St Thomas More RC Primary School is among the Birmingham Schools of Sanctuary supporting a national initiative of sending Valentine’s Day “orange heart” messages to the UK government expressing welcome for those seeking sanctuary in Britain.
“We are all one big family” said one message.
Six educators and six young people travelled to Calais last weekend with the Columbans and Hallam diocese to see refugee support in action.
They visited Secours Catholique (Caritas France), volunteered with Care4Calais and visited Fr Philippe Demeestere SJ at a house of hospitality he runs in Calais. His engagement has included hunger striking for refugees’ rights.
Messages from the group on social media while in Calais challenged misconceptions myths and negative perceptions of refugees.
These included, “25,000 people crossed the Channel in 2022 and faith calls us to welcome them” and “Wouldn’t you hope to be welcomed?”.
James Trewby of Columban Education said: “We were moved by the situations facing refugees, the community spirit amongst those we met, and inspired by the people who serve them and work for justice.”
He added: “We call for Britain to play its part, to live up to its values, and provide safe passage and a much-improved welcome for people seeking sanctuary in the UK.”
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