Earlier this year tensions in Carlisle surrounding the housing of people seeking asylum in hotels reached breaking point. Local people organised a march and protest, prompting a local counter march and protest. The far-right targeted streets to flyer. Sadly rumours are again flying across social media, online tensions appear to be rising again. This online hatred is bleeding into our communities.
We are asking you to call for unity in the face of division and hatred. It is vital we come together to stop the spread of hate in our communities, hate which is turning people against each other and creating an atmosphere where people do not feel welcome and safe. We know many people from Carlisle who aren’t white have expressed how they now no longer feel safe or welcome in their hometown.
Below is the statement that a group of refugee supporting and anti-racist groups have compiled. Please feel free to adopt and share this on your own platforms.
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I/we/organisation name know tensions are rising in Carlisle, and across Cumbria and the UK around people seeking asylum being housed in local hotels.
Today we are asking our communities to unite and support each other in the face of division and hatred. We believe our communities should be safe places for all people and those who need help should be given it. We are asking you and your neighbours to stand together in solidarity against hatred, to demonstrate the best of our city. A city that has a long and proud history of helping those in need, of supporting each other and being a place of safety.
There are of course legitimate concerns which we share about levels of homelessness, poor support for veterans, lack of social housing, crime and anti-social behaviour, safety for women and children and the cost of living crisis. These are concerns that should be voiced and we ask you to channel those feelings/voice your anger to those with the power to change things, namely local councillors and MPs, rather than allowing those with the least to become the scapegoats.
We condemn expressions of hatred, scaremongering, and scapegoating – whether on social media, leaflets, or on marches and protests. History has shown us where this can lead, and it has no place in the UK today.