In response to recent news stories about the possible involvement of a young refugee in the terrorist attack in Parsons Green, West London, Maurice Wren, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council has said:

“The Refugee Council condemns all terrorist acts in the strongest possible terms. As many of the refugees we help have witnessed devastating atrocities, including those instigated by organisations such as so called Islamic State and Boko Haram, we see daily the impact that terrorist violence, persecution and conflict have on ordinary people.

We cannot allow these deplorable events to be used as an excuse to turn our backs on vulnerable refugees, or to compromise our most cherished values of compassion, humanity and solidarity. This is a time for us all to stand together and face down those who would divide us. We cannot let hatred and fear win.”