St John the Baptist

St Bartholomew’s

It has become very clear that a proportion of the Kirkheaton community are unhappy with us using the Old School as a Night Shelter for Asylum Seekers, even on a temporary basis. We have thus withdrawn this scheme and will not be exploring it any further.

 It was clear from the questions asked at the meeting on 24^th May that a few clarifications are necessary:

Asylum Seekers are not illegal immigrants - even when their claims are turned down and they are classed as ‘failed’ they are still in this country legally. That may sound strange, but it is part of international law. Around a third of those who fail on their first attempt then get their claims accepted on appeal. Others, if they have no genuine grounds, are rightly deported.

They cause increased criminal behaviour - there is no evidence of this, as was confirmed in a report by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO).

Britain takes large numbers of refugees - in fact the UK takes only 2% of the world’s refugees. About 80% are living in developing countries.

Many of these myths, and more, are covered by a variety of trustworthy sources, one of which is the Refugee Council. You can find out more at: www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/practice/basics/truth.htm

Where, then, does all this leave the Asylum Seekers who we were concerned about? One good thing that came from the meeting is the number of people who have come forward to offer help to ASSURE (Asylum Seekers Support and Response), members of the church and the wider community. There is a meeting in Huddersfield on 4^th July, in the lounge of St Patrick’s Centre, at 7 pm. Those of us to wish to will be able to help in other ways.