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Manchester’s long tradition of solidarity is once again on display this week, as a coalition of community groups, faith organisations, human rights campaigners and local volunteers come together to oppose what they describe as the government’s “ruthless new plans to erode refugee rights.”
Ten Manchester-based organisations: including Greater Manchester Fairtrade Network, Women Asylum Seekers Together (WAST), Rethink Rebuild Society, Caritas Salford, Methodist Central Hall Manchester, Manchester Amnesty International, Care4Calais Manchester, Manchester City of Sanctuary, Manchester Community Central and the Freedom from Torture Manchester Support Group, have joined 225 other groups nationwide in signing an open letter to the Home Secretary.
The letter, published today (5th December) as part of a national Communities Together for Refugees week of action, argues that the government’s latest asylum proposals “do not represent us, our communities or who we are as a country.”
Communities Together for Refugees
Across Manchester, residents are taking the message of welcome and compassion into the streets, markets and community spaces of the city.
Local groups have coordinated a packed programme of events, from MP letter-writing outside Central Library to a presence at Manchester’s Christmas Fair, plus arts and crafts sessions where people can create postcards and posters carrying the rallying message “We Stand Together with Refugees.” Windows across neighbourhoods are expected to fill with the posters in the coming days as the campaign gathers momentum.
For Women Asylum Seekers Together Manchester, the week is especially meaningful.
Organiser Nighat Atta, who has helped coordinate craft workshops and joint outreach with Fairtrade and Amnesty groups, said:
“We believe everyone deserves safety, dignity, and the chance to rebuild their lives. Locally, we’re working to raise awareness, bring people together, and highlight the positive contributions that people seeking refuge make to our area.
This campaign matters to us because it reflects the kind of community we want to be: one that welcomes, supports, and stands alongside people who are rebuilding their futures.”
For many taking part, the campaign speaks directly to Greater Manchester’s tradition of openness.
Bernard, an organiser from the Greater Manchester Fairtrade Network, said: “This week in Greater Manchester, individuals and community groups, Amnesty and Fairtrade groups, places of worship and community centres are flying the We Stand Together with Refugees flag to demonstrate love and respect for those less fortunate than themselves.
“I have been privileged to meet and read personal testimonies from local asylum seekers and those who voluntarily support them. This is the Britain my grandchildren can be proud of.”
A national response to divisive politics
The open letter is a direct response to the government’s plans, titled Restoring Order and Control, announced on 17th November. It accuses political leaders of fuelling division and warns that harsher asylum policies “send a message… that refugees will never be truly welcome.”
It continues: “We know, given the chance, refugees do so much to enrich our communities. From our high streets to our hospitals, from our schools to our community spaces, Britain is stronger because of people who’ve come here seeking safety…
“People who have fled the horror of war and persecution… need support to heal and rebuild their lives. Instead, this Government is choosing cruelty over compassion.”
“With 80% of the British public favouring an asylum system that is ‘well managed, fair and compassionate,’ organisers say the weekend of action is an opportunity to showcase the country’s ‘commitment to kindness, cohesion and safety.”
At a time when far-right groups are staging anti-refugee rallies and overnight flag displays, community members across towns and cities are pushing back with their own demonstrations of unity.
More than 30 local actions are scheduled across the UK, from Christmas markets and food festivals to music sessions and street stalls, while 10,000 welcoming posters are being distributed for homes, businesses and places of worship.
Local people are being encouraged to join in by printing and displaying their own posters throughout the weekend.
Find out more about Communities Together For Refugees
You can find out more about Communities Together For Refugees by clicking here
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