Dawn Butler MP

Dawn marked Refugee Week 2019 in Parliament by encouraging people to show refugees hospitality, love and warmth in the UK.

Refugee Week takes place every year across the world in the week around World Refugee Day on the 20 June. In the UK, Refugee Week is taking place from 17-23 June and is a nationwide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and encourages a better understanding between communities.  According to refugeeweek.org.uk, Refugee Week started in 1998 as a direct reaction to hostility in the media and society in general towards refugees and asylum seekers.  The theme of Refugee Week 2019 is ‘You, me and those who came before’, an invitation to explore the lives of refugees – and those who have welcomed them – throughout the generations. The aim is to provide an important opportunity for asylum seekers and refugees to be seen, listened to and valued.  Dawn said: 

“I'm proud to support Refugee Week 2019 to celebrate the fantastic contribution refugees make to the cultural fabric of our society, including here in Brent.     I want to say that people often talk about the "pull factor" but they don't talk about the "push factor". We must talk more about why people are fleeing their country and seeking refuge in the UK. We have to be more considerate and more caring.     Refugees are welcome here, so let's talk about why people flee the country they love, and come together to show them some hospitality, love and warmth here in the UK.”