‘Migrants Deserve Respect’ has emerged as the initiative
of a group of migrants currently living in Britain. We are concerned at the
tone of public discussion about migration in the press and from politicians
which is contributing to a climate of hostility and fear around the issues
of asylum and immigration.
We believe that migrants living in 21st century Britain should be seen as
citizens of the modern, global world. Just as many others did before over
the centuries, migrant communities make a substantial contribution to the
economy, enrich Britain’s culture and improve the standard of its public
services, creating a diverse British society. The multicultural, prosperous
Britain that exists today has been created through waves of immigration and
refugees, a fact that is omitted from the public discourse about immigration
and asylum.
We reject the xenophobic and racist tone of the current debate on immigration,
which is being used cynically and with disastrous impact, by politicians in
the run up to the general election.
We the undersigned support the “Migrants Deserve Respect” Campaign
We call for:
• All migrants to be respected regardless of their race, level of skills,
immigration or refugee status
• Recognition of the contribution being made by the new and settled
migrant communities to the economy, culture and diversity of Britain, providing
its competitive advantage internationally.
• An end to the myths, distortions and hysteria being propagated by
sections of the tabloid press and some politicians for electoral gain.