Protest outside the Home Office Monday, 7 January, 6pm: Refugees and Migrants Welcome – Stop the Scapegoating
Stand Up To Racism and Care4Calais have jointly called a flash protest outside the Home Office this Monday, 7 January at 6pm, in the wake of widespread outrage at the Tories’ attempts to whip up a frenzy of racism towards refugees and migrants after a hundred or so refugees were reported to have crossed the Channel since Christmas Day. Sajid Javid’s comments suggesting that the government should make it harder for people to seek asylum in Britain have been branded as a “disgrace” by shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, and as “deeply concerning” by the Refugee Council.
Speakers at the protest include: Councillor Michelline Ngongo, Rabbi Lee Wax, Ulrike Schmidt Amnesty, and speakers from Care4Calais and Stand Up To Racism, and messages from #Stansted15 activist, Sue Clayton Calais Children: A Case To Answer, and Jewish Socialist Group
Melanie Strickland, member of the #Stansted15
“People move for all sorts of reasons. Many of them are fleeing persecution, war, poverty and the effects of climate change. The UK in many cases has a significant role in creating the conditions that cause people to flee their countries. For example, the UK is a major arms exporter. The City of London as a tax haven and global financial centre is also extracting huge sums of money from the Global South, particularly from former British colonial countries. The UK’s historical greenhouse gas emissions are huge. “It’s obscene that instead of offering people who come to our country in desperation sanctuary and help, we demonise and criminalise them. I believe that we must assist our migrant brothers and sisters in any way we can. As Martin Luther King said, the time is always right to do the right thing.”
Sue Clayton, director of Calais Children a Case to Answer, said
“I spent a year in the jungle in Calais where children who had every right to be in the UK under the EU Dublin 3 regulation to be reunited with family were refused and ignored by the Home Office. In addition the government’s shameful refusal to bring the legally agreed number of unaccompanied kids with no family to UK, under the Dubs Amendment, has resulted in some kids having died and many more lost, abused, trafficked and left hopeless, hungry and cold at the old Jungle site .
“This is why we sued the Home Office in the High Court in March this year for not following UK law—and causing death and suffering to children who deserved our care. The courts have not given judgment yet–despite a promised 2 months wait for a decision it is now 10 months later and the kids are cold and suffering. Let’s stop this shameful and cynical playing with the rules and causing untold suffering. Make the Home Office Accountable!”
Weyman Bennett, Stand Up To Racism co convenor said“
“The reaction to the Channel Crossing was utterly disproportionate, and purely an attempt to scapegoat and demonise refugees and sow racist division here. In reality, the number of crossings has decreased in recent months in Britain. Why is it that such a small number of people crossing has been treated as a major crisis, yet Javid and his Tory colleagues have done nothing about the crisis of record high homelessness, or the surge in people forced to rely on Foodbanks?
“The response of Javid, the Tories and the right wing media, underlines that one of the challenges we face as an anti-racist movement is institutionalised racism propagated by the state. We should not allow the Tories to scapegoat refugees and migrants for problems created by politicians and their austerity agenda.
“The notion that former banker Javid has suggested that a group of desperate people fleeing war, persecution or poverty, who took it upon themselves to cross the channel in horrific conditions in the darkest depths of winter, may have not done so for ‘genuine’ reasons is frankly disgusting. It shows the level of detachment Tory politicians have from the reality of the lives of people struggling to survive in the most desperate conditions.”
Rabbi Lee Wax said
“I’m horrified by the treatment of refugees as though they were illegal criminals. The Jewish community is all-too familiar both with being refugees, and with being scapegoated. It is morally unconscionable to use fear and xenophobia to whip up anti-immigration sentiment. We are standing together on Monday evening to protest, and to remind people that humanity, decency and morality in how we treat the most vulnerable is the hallmark of a civilised society. “
Clare Mosely, Care4Calais, said
“Mr Javid has suggested that refugees picked up by UK authorities could have their asylum requests denied in a bid to prevent others from attempting the same journey. This is particularly concerning as refugees are protected by international law and should not be denied asylum if their life or freedom is at risk. These are people who have often suffered, torture, abuse, conflict and more. It is deeply shocking that Mr Javid would consider using them as part of any political agenda; the UK’s legal and moral responsibilities must come first. “
Notes to Editors:
- Stand Up To Racism is a national broad-based organisation supported by major trade union, faith and community groups. As well as organising the annual march for UN Anti-Racism Day, it organises actions and produces materials on Islamophobia, antisemitism, refugee and migrant rights, and against the rise of the far right.
- Care4Calais is a volunteer run, resource-efficient charity delivering essential aid and support to refugees living in the worst conditions across Northern France and Belgium, operating year round in Calais, with a focus to provide warm clothing, bedding, food and medical assistance to refugees in desperate need.
For quotes, interviews and further info: Weyman Bennett 07734 032 314Clare Mosely 07968 399 159or email info@standuptoracism.org.uk