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Over 1000 people listened to high profile speakers, refugees and student and youth activists at the ‘Refugees Welcome Here’ Rally on 4th November.
Speakers included Jeremy Corbyn MP Labour Party Leader who highlighted how military foreign policy is creating refugees and said we must extend the hand of humanity, not brutality towards refugees. “I do not use the language of swarm and swamp and all those things.” He said. “I look at those people as fellow human beings, just like you, just like me, just doing their best to survive in a cruel and dangerous world.”
Diane Abbott MP Shadow Secretary of State for International Development warned against considering economic migrants as a separate class from refugees, as economic instability, poverty and the impact of climate change are creating the mass movement of people. Owen Jones Journalist and Writer said the government’s response to the crisis so far was a matter of shame when it should be a matter of national pride. Francesca Martinez Stand up comedian who reminded the crowd of the humanity of refugees which is lacking in the media narrative. She said ‘we cannot give into the inhumane priorities of this system’. Roger McKenzie UNISON Assistant Deputy Secretary called this campaign the ‘new politics’ and called for everyone to campaign hard to support refugees at this critical time. Liberal Democrat Baroness Sheehan said the government response has been late, weak and disproportionate to the crisis in hand. Shahrar Ali Green Party Deputy Leader described the Mediterranean as an open cemetery.
Kevin Courtney Deputy General Secretary NUT pledged the support of the teaching union to support refugees in the Classroom and through campaigning. He said ‘Teachers care about our children wherever they come from.’
A Syrian Refugee speaker described how comforting it was to be in Britain, but pleaded to be reunited with her family who are not here. Cllr Michelline Ngongo former refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo gave a moving account about her own experiences and the importance of Britain giving sanctuary to refugees.
Anna Musgrave Refugee Council thanked the public pressure for making the government take in some Syrian refugees but highlighted that it wont help those from other communities.
Talha Ahmad Muslim Council of Britain called for Britain to be welcoming of refugees whilst Rabbi Lee Wax drew parallels between the experience of refugees today and the Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis during World War Two, warning of how the anti-semitism of press like the Daily Mail is finding echoes in the rhetoric today against refugees.
Shelly Asquith NUS VP Welfare brought solidarity to International students, refugee students and the Muslim community who are being villified under anti-terrorism measures. Shakira Martin NUS VP Further Education celebrated the diversity of British society that has been enriched by communities coming here and paid tribute to the refugee women who climb mountains to bring their children to safety.
Lindsey German Convenor, Stop the war coalition slammed European governments for scapegoating refugees.
Sabby Dhalu & Weyman Bennett Unite Against Fascism / Stand up to racism called on everyone to join the Refugees Welcome Here campaign, including the vigil protest outside Downing Street 12 November 6pm, as well as the forthcoming winter delegation to Calais.
The event saw the launch of Stand up to racism postcard campaign to David Cameron calling for safe passage for refugees into and within the EU, for Britain to take a fair proportion of refugees, and to reinstate search and rescue operations to prevent refugees drowning.
