GREEN Party leader Natalie Bennett and Molly Scott Cato MEP are today (14 January) joining Bristol Mayoral candidate Tony Dyer on a visit to the Bristol Refugee Rights Welcome Centre [1] to reaffirm their commitment to making refugees welcome in the UK.
The Centre offers refugees and asylum seekers a safe space to meet and provides practical support ranging from food and clothing to referral to English classes [2].
Tony Dyer said:
"At present, there is no clear strategy for how Bristol City Council will meet its duties in this area. I support the calls made by Bristol Refugee Rights and others for the development of an Asylum Seeker and Refugee Strategy involving all key stakeholders. I will also commit to honouring the pledges made at the City of Sanctuary Conference to work towards ending the destitution and distress facing asylum seekers and refugees in Bristol."
Ahead of the visit, Molly Scott Cato, Green MEP for the South West said:
“I am looking forward to finding out more about how Bristol welcomes and supports refugees and asylum seekers. With Europe facing its greatest migration crisis in 70 years, the only acceptable response is one of compassion. The UK government should follow the example of its many compassionate citizens and councils who want to offer sanctuary to those fleeing the most appalling situations. Bristol Council has set a great example, with a cross-party motion calling on Bristol Council to commit to host 50 refugees fleeing conflict” [3].
Greens in Europe have called on European countries to co-operate in accepting refugees and in finding them safe routes to asylum [4]. Both the European Commission and European Parliament are agreed on the need for fixed quotas for member states, but some member states, including the UK have blocked such action.
Dr Scott Cato added:
“Cameron must stop hiding behind immigration opt-outs and cooperate with other EU countries in the resettlement of refugees, especially as Britain's foreign policy has exacerbated this crisis through its involvement in wars and supplying of arms. Our role should be to support UN efforts in bringing about strong governments in the region, not taking the misguided ‘coalition of the willing’ route and running a foreign policy based on self-interest and the demands of the oil and arms industries.”
In her second visit to Bristol in two months to support Tony Dyer's Mayoral campaign, Natalie Bennett said:
“I am excited to be returning again to Bristol where the Green Party has taken great strides in recent years and is on track to perform exceptionally well in May’s elections.
“The Green Party’s vote rose by a massive 23% to 26.8% in Bristol West in the May 2015 General Election and great progress has been made across the city since then.
“Tony can make Bristol even greener. From standing up for migrants, to taking real steps to alleviate Bristol’s worsening housing crisis, only Greens are fighting for the real change for the common good that Bristol needs.”
[1] Bristol Refugee Rights Welcome Centre is based in the Malcolm X Centre in City Road, Bristol BS2 8YH. Molly Scott Cato MEP and Natalie Bennett will be visiting between 1pm – 2.30pm and join workers and volunteers for lunch at 1:15pm. Both Molly and Natalie will be available for interview and photo opportunities.
[2] http://www.bristolrefugeerights.org/what-we-do/welcome-centre/
[3] http://www.bristolgreenparty.org.uk/news/council-welcomes-refugees