Support for refugees in Hackney

A public meeting to discuss Hackney’s response to the refugee and migrant crisis and ongoing issues facing migrants locally has been called for 7.30pm on 30 November at Chats Palace, Brooksbys Walk, E9.

Various groups currently involved in the situation will be represented and Cllr Sophie Linden, Hackney's Deputy Mayor, will speak on the Council's work.

This follows on from an emergency community meeting in September which felt it would be important to try and get a borough-wide response to the unfolding refugee and migrant crisis with people continuing to flee from Syria and elsewhere.

Aside from the clear humanitarian concerns we share, Britain can benefit from the skills and talents of the people so desperately seeking safety.

The Prime Minister has spoken about support in the region - this is important but I am not confident that there is a grand plan or strategy to tackle the underlying insecurity.

We need to do more of both - support in the region and welcome to safety those fleeing war - in conjunction with our EU partners.

My Labour colleagues and I have urged the Government to take higher numbers of refugees as it is clear Britain is willing and able to do more.

If you want to help, contact Hackneyunites@btinternet.com or call the Council's helpline 020 8356 4989 Monday-Friday, 9.00am-5.00pm, with any offers of assistance.