Commenting on the passing of Motion 20 at the Annual Conference of the National Education Union, Kevin Courtney, Joint General Secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"The government continues to demonise and scapegoat some of the most vulnerable people in the world. In response, NEU members will continue to show their determination to welcome and integrate refugees, asylum seekers and migrants into their schools and communities and will oppose the racism to which government policy appeals.
"Members have noted that Government has encouraged individuals and families to welcome displaced Ukrainians into their homes; they have not taken this action for Afghanis, Syrians, Somalis or Malians. The Government’s approach to the refugee crisis caused by the war in Ukraine demonstrates that organised and comprehensive support for displaced people in Britain is perfectly achievable. All that is needed is the political will to make this happen. That will is missing.
"The focus now should be the development of safe routes for those fleeing their homes. It must be made possible for them to arrive safely in this country with minimal risk to their own and their family’s lives. This will take power and opportunity away from people smugglers and significantly reduce the numbers that needlessly die in the English Channel and the Mediterranean Sea."
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2023-070-NEU