Page 14 - Quaker News & Views Nov 25 - Jan 26

Welcoming the Stranger
(This is the first in a series of articles from AM role-holders)

A friend recently asked me, “Why don’t refugees stay in France?’ I explained that some
refugees already have family in the UK and that speaking English is another big pull
factor. Many come from countries that were previously ruled by the UK, so they have
English as a second language. Many also view the UK as a fair and just society, which will

offer them a secure future.

There are many myths surrounding asylum seekers, who are often portrayed in the media
as overrunning the UK. In fact, refugees make up around 0.7% of the UK population, and

of the 123 million refugees who were forcibly displaced across the world at the end of
2024, only 0.42% were in the UK (UNHCR figures). Around 70% claiming asylum in the
UK are granted it, which shows they have very real reasons to fear for their safety (Oxford

University Migration Observatory figures). A particularly concerning myth surrounds
crossing the Channel in small boats. Asylum seekers risk their lives in boats because
there is no ‘legal’ way for them to claim asylum in the UK from abroad, a fact that people
smugglers exploit. There is a desperate need to create safe routes – like a refugee visa –

to cut the reliance on smugglers altogether.

Our Area Meeting Quaker Sanctuary Group, which was founded by our dear
Friend/friend, Richard Bush, meets once every three months to share news about

refugee and asylum seekers and plan future initiatives.

A few of us have been directly involved in supporting asylum seekers living in
Bournemouth hotels. Activities have included playing board games, which boosts

English language skills, English conversation and organising trips to Hengistbury Head.
This work is guided and supported by ICN, a local charity providing practical help for
refugees and asylum seekers.

Some members belong to the BCP City of Sanctuary Group, which allows those working
directly with refugees and asylum seekers to share information, ideas and concerns.

Our group also lobbies local MPs to advocate for refugee rights. Several of us have
encouraged Friends in our local meetings to write to our MPs. We have also met with Neil

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