A GROUP supporting refugees in Bromsgrove and Redditch has condemned the far-right violence which prompted the postponement the groups social picnic.
Every summer, Bromsgrove and Redditch Welcome Refugees (BRWR) organises social picnics for refugees, volunteers and all their friends.
But Saturday’s (August 10) event in Bromsgrove was postponed because of the fear created by recent rioting. A future event in Redditch (August 17) may also not go ahead.
“This should have been a lovely, fun occasion, with the sharing of food and the playing of games,” Yvonne Rendell, chair of BRWR, explained. “But the intimidation of racist far-right thugs has cast a dark shadow over everything.”
“Although no demonstrations were planned in the area, we would never risk placing our refugee friends in any situations where they might face the sort of prejudice shown by these racist thugs.”
West Mercia police described the situation as “very fluid” and the picnic would have been in an open park with free public access.
“Many of our refugee friends – and the asylum seekers we have also helped – have endured unimaginable trauma, escaping war, persecution and often serious threats to their lives,” Ms Rednell added.
“And most of them are now too worried to leave their homes. For these friends to be living in fear in a country where they sought sanctuary, because a small minority of bigoted extremists are using immigration as an excuse to create division and hatred, is truly heartbreaking.
“And the claim that attacking police officers, looting shops and setting hotels alight is any contribution to the debate over immigration, would be laughable if it wasn’t so very sad.”
Around 80 BRWR volunteers support about 200 refugees. Many members of the group did not want to bow to the rioters’ intimidation but felt protecting their friends had to be their first priority.
But the group is reassured by the response of the majority. “To see thousands on the streets confronting racism and prejudice is extremely heartening. This shows that most people are kind, generous and welcoming, which is exactly what we’ve experienced in both Redditch and Bromsgrove.”
BRWR now plans to reschedule any picnics for later in the year. Contact [email protected] if you’d like to join the group or support the refugees.
