Aditya Chakrabortty’s recent account of his trip to Llanelli paints a distressing picture of how ministers’ use of slogans has influenced the asylum debate, impacting both those seeking asylum and the communities hosting them (Suella Braverman’s dreadful situation in South Wales could easily spread closer to home, 24 August).
What makes matters worse is that a local anti-racist activist highlighted the challenges faced in opposing the far right, stating that “all our traditional sources of moral guidance have disappeared.” He was referring to the churches and the Labour party.
Nearly six decades have passed since Harold Wilson declared that “Labour is, above all, a moral crusade” to party members. Just six months later, Wilson won a hard-fought general election. Perhaps Keir Starmer could learn from history to prevent a potential escalation of the situation.
Les Bright
Exeter
Aditya Chakrabortty’s description of the backlash against refugees appears to be widespread. In our neighboring village of Kegworth, the arrival of a significant number of Afghan refugees has triggered local hostility, leading to protests, the spreading of misinformation, and the closure of the village’s Facebook page due to the hateful content.
Unfortunately, the voices of those sympathetic to the refugees’ plight are often overshadowed by the extreme right-wing groups who exploit the issue for their own gain.
Dr. Michael Symonds
Sutton Bonington, Nottinghamshire
It almost appears that the government has a vested interest in inflating the cost of accommodating asylum seekers. The higher the cost, the more outraged the Daily Mail headlines become, and the more likely people are to vote Conservative due to resentment.
That is the only reason I can think of for workmen to demolish the Stradey Park hotel, expending unnecessary funds. If the Home Office intends to house more people than the hotel can accommodate, they could simply add bunk beds. There is no justification for ruining the building, which was once “the pride of Llanelli.” Just as with Robert Jenrick’s decision to paint over children’s murals, it seems that public funds are being wasted on destruction rather than showing compassion.
From the new owners of Stradey Park to the demolition contractors, profit is being made from the suffering of others, without any regard for expenses. It is no wonder that the council leader admits feeling embarrassed and ashamed.
Judith Martin
Winchester
The notion that opposition in Llanelli to the government’s policy of housing immigrants at Stradey Park hotel is rooted in a local fascist surge, as part of a dark national trend, is a simplistic and unhelpful assessment of the concerns and emotions involved. The media always portrays evil as on the rise.
The banners proclaiming “We weren’t consulted” simply express the fact that the public was not given a voice in important decisions, just as they were not consulted about Rishi Sunak, low-paying jobs, and burdensome inflation. This protest is driven by working-class activism, not by a group of privileged, politically correct students. It does not necessarily indicate far-right sentiment or misguided beliefs. Journalists in London may find comfort in imagining a bogeyman leading the British public towards the far right, but the truth is much simpler. We were not asked, and you never listen.
Marty Pardoe
Gorseinon, Swansea
Denial of responsibility! VigourTimes is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
