By Jane – Campaigns and Public Affairs Team

I was saddened to read the papers today and see the tabloids slam a meal that local French charities provided to stranded asylum seekers in Calais.  Locals are quoted as saying that the meal would encourage more refugees to flock to the town.  Would the promise of one meal, once a year, really be enough to persuade people to leave their homes and loved ones to make an often dangerous journey to seek asylum in Europe?  I am astounded by this logic, and sad that the tabloid journalists haven’t extended ‘the season of goodwill’ to refugees and asylum seekers who are often the most vulnerable in society. 

On a more positive note, stories like these motivate us here at the Refugee Council to work harder to help people to understand the hardship and hard choices facing refugees fleeing persecution.  The UK has a proud record of providing sanctuary to those fleeing persecution and we want everyone to celebrate this.

So merry Christmas to all our poliblog readers and a big thanks to all of our fantastic volunteers who have helped in the office and at our many events over the year.  Have a great break!