It’s less than a week until the election!
And this is our final chance to let candidates – from all parties – know that we stand with refugees.
Despite the political and media rhetoric – there are so many of us in constituencies right across the UK who want our elected representatives to help build a more welcoming society.
To scrap the Rwanda plan and repeal anti-refugee laws.
To end immigration detention.
To let refugees work and contribute their skills.
But our candidates will only know that if we tell them!
So, in the last few days before the UK goes to the polls there are a few simple things that we can all do:
- Download and display our poster – put it in your window, your church or anywhere else you’re allowed! In the final run up to the election there’ll be thousands of candidates and volunteers up and down the country knocking on doors and looking for votes. Let’s make sure that they see our message everywhere, so they know the UK public stands with refugees.
- Get in touch with your candidates – whether you see them out campaigning, speak to their volunteers on your doorstep, or drop them an e-mail. They want to be your representative so they need to listen to your views! We’ve got loads of information on our website about how to find out who’s standing in your area, get in touch with them and speak up for the rights of refugees.
- Spread the word – your voice matters so get talking to your friends, your family and your colleagues about standing with refugees this election. Every single conversation you have can get the message out there. That, as Pope Francis remind us: “refugees aren’t pawns on the chessboard of humanity” -they are our sisters and brothers. And we need to stand with them.
There is so much at stake this election.
Whether the UK turns its back on our duty to welcome people.
Whether we deny refugees sanctuary and ship them off to other countries.
Or whether we build something better: a future where people who have been forced to flee their homes are welcomed and given the chance to be part of our society.
A future where people aren’t forced into destitution or detention – but treated with dignity and humanity. Just like any of us deserve to be treated.
Whoever forms the government and whoever is sitting in parliament after 4 July have some enormous decisions to make. And every single one of us can help shape them.
It’s often said that decisions are made by those who show up.
So in the coming days let’s show up for justice, for humanity and welcome.
Let’s stand with refugees.
