Brexit letter: Unravelling protection for world's most vulnerable 'would be a travesty'

Syrian children in crowded camp

The directors of ten organisations working with refugees and asylum seekers have written an open letter to the Prime Minster calling for a 'national discussion on migration' and protection for refugees.

Sir,

Now that the UK has voted for Brexit we need a national discussion on immigration that is human and honest, not based on fear or misinformation.

The government has said it will publish a new UK asylum strategy. We believe it should stand for three core principles. First, help more refugees find safety in the UK without having to risk their lives in the hands of people smugglers.

Second, restore trust trust in the asylum system so all get a fair hearing and access the protection they need.

Third, support refugees to rebuild their lives, without fear of return to a place where where lives are at risk.

Previous British leaders helped to establish the international laws protecting people fleeing violence and persecution. Unravelling those protections for the world's most vulnerable would be a travesty.

Signed

Maurice Wren, CEO, British Refugee Council
Laurie Lee, CEO, CARE International UK
Tess Berry-Hart, director Calais Action
Kate Allen, Director Amnesty International UK
Loretta Minghella, Chief Executive Christian Aid,
Jon Wilkes, Chief Executive Aid UK
Chris Bain director CAFOD
Jane Waterman executive director. International rescue Committee UK
Leigh Daynes executive director, Doctors of the World UK
Stephen Hale, chief executive Refugee Action
Susan Munroe, CEO Freedom from Torture
Sarah Teather director, JRS