Liberty - Protecting civil liberties, promoting human rights

In advance of the second prime ministerial debate (focusing on foreign policy), the party leaders have agreed to ‘never play fast and loose with the proud tradition of a nation that must always offer succour to those in genuine fear of persecution’.

Shami Chakrabarti, Director of Liberty, said:

“It is very good news that even in the heat of election battle, all three leaders have promised to honour the importance of refugee protection. No one should underestimate the ocean of common decency in Britain and we intend to hold our politicians to this proud tradition.”

Donna Covey, Chief Executive of the Refugee Council said:

“People seeking asylum have fled war, torture and persecution and come to the UK to seek safety. In this election, the right to asylum must be defended, so we are delighted the main party leaders have pledged to ensure a balanced debate on immigration and asylum policy, and to honour Britain’s history as a place of refuge for the persecuted.”

In addition to the main party leaders, scores of parliamentary candidates up and down the country have signed the pledge which will be open until May 6th. Elfyn Llwyd, parliamentary group leader of Plaid Cymru, and Alex Salmond, leader of SNP, have also signed the pledge.

The UK is a signatory to the 1951 UN Refugee Convention, which guarantees any person who is not safe in their own country the right to claim asylum elsewhere. The convention has saved millions of lives, and no country has ever withdrawn from it. The UK is home to less than 2% of the world’s refugees, out of 16 million worldwide, with 80% living in developing countries.

Liberty’s press office 020 7378 3656 or 07973 831 128
Refugee Council press office 020 7346 1214/1213 or 07956 636 219
Scottish Refugee Council press office 0141 223 7927 or 07734 030 763

Notes to Editors

1. The full text of the Asylum Election Pledge is as follows:

'There is no place for racism and xenophobia in modern British politics. Nor is democratic debate advanced by the denigration of the most vulnerable in our country, including children and asylum seekers who do not enjoy the right to participate in elections.

I promise to remember the importance of refugee protection, even in free and wide-ranging debates about immigration policy. I will never play fast and loose with the proud tradition of a nation that must always offer succour to those in genuine fear of persecution'

2. Journalists please contact either press office for a copy of the full list of signatories.

Candidates who want to sign up can do so at both Liberty and the Refugee Council websites.

3 The top countries of origin for refugees coming to the UK in 2009 were: Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, Iran, China, Sri Lanka, and Eritrea. The UK is home to less than 2% of the world’s refugees, with 80% living in developing countries. Europe gives protection to just 14%.