PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott & Lord Alf Dubs back Stand Up To Racism solidarity with Calais refugees this Saturday 10 December
On Saturday 10 December Stand Up To Racism groups from across Britain are sending delegations to offer solidarity with refugees in Calais. Following the destruction of the “jungle” refugee camp by the French government earlier this year there are still thousands of refugees in the Calais area, existing in even more squalid conditions than before.
Campaigners have raised thousands of pounds to take to aid organisations like Care 4 Calais who are battling to help refugees, now in ever more difficult circumstances.
Shadow Home Secretary Diane Abbott gave her support to Stand Up To Racism’s winter appeal. She said:
“Stand Up To Racism’s winter appeal for refugees offers vital support and solidarity at a crucial time. Although the “Jungle” camp has been closed down no real solution to the refugee crisis has been offered. Thousands of men, women and children are still in desperate need of our help. I congratulate the ordinary people across Britain who have raised thousands of pounds, offering refugees the respect and aid they deserve”.
Lord Alf Dubs who, through his amendment to the Immigration Bill, spearheaded the campaign to allow unaccompanied refugee children into Britain, MP Catherine West and Stand Up To Racism Vice Chair Steve Hart saw off a North London delegation to Calais last night (see picture above)
Weyman Bennett, co-Convenor of Stand Up To Racism said:
“Both the British and French governments have scapegoated refugees and stoked up resentment around the issue of immigration. But millions of ordinary people realise that those fleeing war and poverty deserve our support rather than our hostility. That’s why so many have raised money and support for refugees and joined pickets and protests to defend their rights”.
Sabby Dhalu co-Convenor of Stand Up To Racism said:
“We won’t stand idly by while refugees suffer this winter. We say refugees are welcome here”.
Campaigners will be travelling on the 9.25am ferry from Dover early on Saturday 10 December and will return on the 17.15pm (French time) ferry that night.
See the facebook event
hereStand Up To Racism is organising a major national demonstration supported by the TUC on UN Anti-Racism day, Saturday 18 March, supported by the TUC.
