Just back from a lovely family stay in Whitstable. Highlight was yesterday's erection and decorating of the Christmas tree. I know, it's still November, but in these times of virus depression, it cheered us all up.
Last year I decided to nominate Crisis UK as my Christmas charity. I was moved by my daughter in law Gabby's interest in the plight of homeless people and have continued to donate in the last 12 months. This year I'm going for the Refugee Council. As regular readers will know, I have been exercised by the inhumane attitudes to and treatments of refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. I recognise that judgments have to be made about the legitimacy of asylum claims but expect my fellow citizens and my government to treat these people with respect while they undergo processing. Human beings, not animals. In the Council's words "we exist to support those who come to the UK in need of safety and we speak out for compassion, fairness and kindness."
The Refugee Council happens to be one of three charities chosen jointly by the Times and Sunday Times for their Christmas appeal this year. Their journalists can illuminate the issue far better than I can:
You might like to read the Refugee Council's tribute to the 27 men, women and children who tragically lost their lives last week whilst trying to reach safety in Britain.
Totally agree. I’m ashamed to be British atm remembering well how the Ugandan refugees were welcomed shortly after I left that lovely country. And just consider how well they have served this country. With one notable exception. I also remember the Vietnam boat people. One of them joined our son’s class at St Thomas More. He shared a small flat on a run down estate with his parents and eight siblings. He learned English went to Cambridge read medicine and now a distinguished medical scientist.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the link. I shall donate too. Although up to now it’s been the lifeboats after that disgraceful comment from a government minister.
PS. How was the chalet?
ReplyDeletePity the link is behind a paywall though.
ReplyDeleteAh sorry about that. I thought the Sharing process would bypass that. I'll see if can copy the article some other way.
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