Southampton Action is among 225 organisations signing an open letter published on Friday as part of the national Communities Together for Refugees week of action.
The letter responds to the government’s Restoring Order and Control proposals, announced on November 17, which campaigners say would further erode the rights of people seeking safety in the UK.
Under the plans, refugee status will become temporary, guaranteed housing support for refugees will end, and new routes into the UK will be created.
The letter was also signed by Southampton and Winchester Visitors Group.
An extract from the letter tells the Home Secretary: “Every day we witness people stepping up – opening their homes, volunteering their time, speaking out for fairness and supporting one another.
“We know that your cruel new plans do not represent us, our communities or who we are as a country.
“Now is not the time to play into the hands of those seeking to build division between local communities and refugees. Now is the time to focus on what unites us, find common ground and offer our humanity to those who have already suffered enough.”
Nikki Walters, Chair of Southampton Action, said the group was proud to stand alongside others nationwide.
Nikki Walters, Chair of Southampton Action (Image: Submitted)
She said: “We are proud to join other local groups across the country to tell the Home Secretary that we reject her cruel plans.
“Every day we see the compassion and care that people who have sought safety here receive in our community. The far-right attempts to spread fear do not represent us.”
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Organisers of the Communities Together for Refugess week of action, which kicked off on Friday, say the initiative aims to showcase the public’s “commitment to kindness, cohesion and safety”.
More than 30 events are planned nationwide, ranging from Christmas markets and craft sessions to musical performances and food celebrations.
Around 10,000 posters reading “We Stand Together with Refugees” will also appear in windows across the country.
Residents wishing to take part can download and display their own posters to show solidarity.