FIFTEEN bishops have joined Jewish, Muslim and other Christian leaders in calling on the Prime Minister to reconsider his words on migration. At the launch of the Immigration White Paper on Monday, Sir Keir Starmer warned that the UK risked “becoming an island of strangers” (News, 15 May).
The letter, which was co-ordinated by the Jewish organisation HIAS+JCORE, expresses concern that current political rhetoric risks “strengthening those who would divide us”, and undermines the UK’s tradition of offering sanctuary to those in need. The faith leaders call for “a more compassionate and respectful tone” in the national conversation around migration.
The 15 Church of England bishops are the Bishops of Bristol, Chelmsford, Gloucester, Guildford, Leeds, Leicester, Lichfield, Lincoln, London, Manchester, St Albans, Sheffield, Shrewsbury, Southwark, and Winchester.
“Our concern is that the current narrative, which presents only one side of the debate, will only drive public anxiety and entrench polarization,” the letter says. “When you refer to the ‘incalculable’ damage done by uncontrolled migration, you are in danger of harming migrant members of our communities and strengthening those who would divide us.”
The leaders say that they recognise “public concern around migration”, and acknowledge that the impact must be addressed. “But this must be done in a way which is principled, and lowers the temperature of the debate, respecting the dignity of all who make up our nation. People have come to the UK under the rules set by successive governments, paying whatever fees and surcharges, to work, contribute and pay taxes. Framing this as somehow unfair only feeds the politics of grievance and division.”
The leaders say that it is “through sharing experiences” that we come to recognise our common humanity. “We urge the government to think more holistically and positively about fostering good integration; the recommendations of several government-commissioned reviews into integration remain on the shelf.”
The letter appeals to the Prime Minister to strengthen measures to bring people together. “Promoting fair policies that balance the needs of host communities with real opportunities for people restarting their lives after fleeing war, conflict, and persecution is a necessary start,” they write.
”Finally, we wish to speak up for all those whose voices are rarely heard in these debates but who have been at the sharp end of recent rhetoric. These include many from within our own faith communities who have built new homes and lives in the UK, becoming part of our national story and fabric. Our country would be so much poorer without them.”
The other Christian signatories to the letter include the Most Reverend Mark Strange, Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church; the Revd Helen Cameron and Mrs Carolyn Godfrey, President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference; the Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary of The Baptist Union of Great Britain; Major Dr Paul Robinson, of the Salvation Army; the Revd Tim Meadows, Moderator of the General Assembly, the United Reformed Church; and Jill Kent, Justice & Peace Scotland (Scottish Catholic Justice & Peace Commission).
