Southwark Labour refuse to condemn “dangerous” immigration rhetoric

Southwark Labour have refused to co-sign a letter the Liberal Democrats have written to the Prime Minister, which warns that the rhetoric he uses around immigration is “dangerous”.

The letter explains that the language risks undermining community cohesion in places like Southwark, where 40% of residents were born outside of the UK. The Liberal Democrats invited Labour councillors to join them in signing the letter, but the Labour group declined the opportunity.

In their letter, they celebrate the diversity of the borough, pointing to the thriving diasporas such as the Latin American, Irish, African, and Caribbean communities that have contributed so much to Southwark and the country.

The letter specifically condemns the language the Prime Minister used to announce a series of reforms to the immigration system, where he described the UK becoming an “island of strangers”.

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Group Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:

“After celebrating Refugee Week and Windrush Day, I am shocked and disappointed that the Labour group have chosen to decline the opportunity to come together as a council to show that in places like Southwark, immigration is our source of strength and unity, not something that divides us.

Unfortunately it seems that our Labour colleagues are more interested in putting party loyalty before representing our incredible communities.

The Liberal Democrats are proud to be a party that celebrates the fantastic contributions that people from across the globe make to our communities and will continue leading the way against divisive and dangerous politics.”