'Sometimes I fear people like me are not welcome in the UK - this means a great deal'
14.02.2024 - 06:59
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Qadir claimed asylum in the UK three years ago. Since then, the Pakistani national has been rebuilding his life here in Manchester.
Despite the meaningful friendships he's made and the help he's received, like many refugees in the UK, he still feels unwelcome sometimes. This Valentine's Day, some of Greater Manchester's most influential figures have written a love letter to refugees like Qadir.
The letter, which is signed by Wigan poet Lemn Sissay, Manchester Pride's Mark Fletcher and Bishop of Salford John Arnold, expresses love and solidarity with refugees in the city-region, making it clear to political leaders that refugees are welcome in their community.
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"The welcome of local people means everything," Qadir said. "I have had amazing support and made some wonderful friendships.
"But it can be isolating and difficult too. Sometimes I fear that people like me are not welcome in the UK. So this letter means a great deal.
"I know from experience that people in Manchester are kind and generous. Now other refugees, perhaps who have arrived more recently, can know that we are part of the community here and can make a good life with our new friends and neighbours."
The letter, which calls for a 'fair new plan' for refugees, comes in the week the scheme to send some asylum seekers to Rwanda is being debated in the House of Lords. The local figures who have signed the letter are now calling for a 'fair new plan' for refugees.
It comes after a recent poll, commissioned by Together With Refugees, found that 80 per cent of the British public want an approach to the asylum system that is 'well managed, fair and compassionate'. In the North West, the poll found 84