14 February 2001 – The Sun, whose xenophobic attitude towards refugees and asylum seekers is matched only by the Daily Mail, was at it again this week. This time, in the 14 February edition, the front page is dominated by the headline “LUNATIC ASYLUM”, and the following story contains the usual inflammatory language. Immigration officials are “swamped.” “Bogus” refugees (of course) who “flood” into Britain are to be “kicked out” or “sent packing.” The nub of the Sun‘s complaint was that only 12 asylum seekers a month (the figure is disputed by the Home Office) are being deported, while 3,200 are allegedly settling in Britain illegally.

So far, so bad. But wait a minute. On page 8 a leading article on the subject advocates the following:  “Why not do what America does? Every few years, open the doors to anyone who is prepared to sign away entitlement to immediate welfare benefits and who promises to learn English. That way the spongers get the message that if you aren’t prepared to work, you starve. All those who ARE willing to knuckle down and look after themselves, however much of a struggle, we will accept gladly.”

Now isn’t that interesting? The Sun is saying that refugees seeking work are welcome in Britain. But aren’t these the same people that the paper labels as “bogus” asylum seekers; people who come here for economic reasons in order to improve their lives? We have no doubt that virtually every refugee would welcome the right to work, instead of being condemned to a life of hand-outs and vouchers, enforced location or even detention.

It is to be hoped that Downing Street, which pays slavish attention to the views of the tabloids, is listening this time. Well, there’s no harm in hoping.

Bill Norris
Associate Director

(Bulletin No 38)