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, 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 people 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 those 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 its 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 people come to recognise their 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.”
They appeal to Sir Keir Starmer 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.
“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 Primus of the Scottish Episcopal Church, the Most Revd Mark Strange; the President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference, the Revd Helen Cameron and Carolyn Godfrey; the General Secretary of the Baptist Union, the Revd Lynn Green; Major Dr Paul Robinson, of the Salvation Army; the Moderator of the United Reformed Church’s General Assembly, the Revd Tim Meadows; and Jill Kent of Justice and Peace Scotland (Scottish Catholic Justice and Peace Commission).