Reports of racist and xenophobic attacks in the UK have increased in the wake of the EU referendum result. Regardless of whether a Remain or a Leave vote was the best decision for the country, we must not allow the outcome to be used to fuel racism against migrants, refugees and black and minority ethnic members of our communities.
Today, Bath Welcomes Refugees and Bath Amnesty are holding a solidarity rally from 5:30 pm (until a little after 6 pm) outside Bath Abbey. The speakers will include refugees and EU citizens living in Bath, who will be talking about their experiences and their fears, and hopes, for the future. At a time of deep division, it is vital that we come together to say clearly and categorically that we will not accept a nationalist, nativist, xenophobic narrative that blames migrants and refugees for the economic problems we face.
Please do come down to Bath Abbey at 5:30 pm today, and invite as many of your friends, family, neighbours and colleagues as possible. The more of us there, the stronger the message of support and solidarity we can send to migrants and refugees in Bath and beyond.
This is an opportunity for all of us who live and work in Bath to publicly reject the bigotry of fascist organisations and the rhetoric of those who enable them. Please join us.
From the event organisers:
Some groups and political leaders used the EU referendum debate to make immigration and nationalism the central issue.
In the wake of a Leave vote, it is more important now than ever before to show all members of our community that we welcome individuals from any country and any continent, whether migrant or refugee.
Come and join us outside the Abbey on Tuesday to show our city that we stand in solidarity with migrants and refugees, and will not condone or accept a rhetoric that scapegoats them and blames them for the economic problems of our country.
Please invite your friends and bring along flags, placards and banners.