This week, along with 225 local community groups from across the UK, we have co-signed a letter to the Home Secretary asking her to “focus on what unites us, find common ground and offer our humanity to those who have already suffered enough.”
The letter, co-ordinated by membership coalition group Together With Refugees, has been written in response to the Government’s plans ‘Restoring Order and Control’ announced on 17 November. It kicks off a week of ‘Communities Together for Refugees’ action around the country, organised in collaboration with communities and Together With Refugees. More than 30 actions are planned in towns and villages across the UK, including Christmas markets, street stalls, craft sessions, musical performances and food festivities, and individuals are encouraged to get involved by displaying a free poster showing support for refugees (downloadable here).
The letter, covered in today’s Guardian, can be read in full below.
“Dear Home Secretary
In communities up and down the country, we are proud to show warmth and kindness to refugees. Every day we witness people stepping up – opening their homes, volunteering their time, speaking out for fairness and supporting one another. We know that your cruel new plans do not represent us, our communities or who we are as a country.
You said it was a moral mission to resolve division. We agree. The responsibility to end the divisive politics, racist rhetoric and demonising language of the past lies with all political leaders. Your ruthless new plans to erode refugee rights and the harmful language used by politicians in recent weeks will only feed the hostility in our communities. They send a message to those of us who have sought safety here, as well as our neighbours, colleagues, friends, and families, that refugees will never be truly welcome.
We know, given the chance, refugees do so much to enrich our communities. From our high streets to our hospitals, from our schools to our community spaces, Britain is stronger because of people who’ve come here seeking safety.
People who have fled the horror of war and persecution, suffering terrible trauma, need support to heal and rebuild their lives. Instead, this Government is choosing cruelty over compassion.
We – communities across the UK – are standing together to reject your plans. Now is not the time to play into the hands of those seeking to build division between local communities and refugees. Now is the time to focus on what unites us, find common ground and offer our humanity to people who have already suffered enough.”
For more information, please contact Hannah Williams.
December 2025
