Gary Lineker among stars calling on government to scrap Rwanda scheme
Succession star Brian Cox and television presenter Gary Lineker are among the high-profile signatories of a letter calling for the government to scrap its Rwanda scheme.
They have branded Britain’s refugee system “ever-more uncaring, chaotic and costly”, and urge political leaders to come up with a "fair new plan for refugees".
The correspondence was also signed by women’s rights campaigner Helen Pankhurst, Hotel Rwanda star Sophie Okonedo and television chef Big Zuu, who is the son of a refugee from Sierra Leone.
It comes as MPs prepare to debate and vote on the controversial Safety of Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill, which hopes to get illegal migrants sent on planes to Rwanda after the Supreme Court last month ruled it unlawful.
The letter, coordinated by campaign coalition Together With Refugees, stated: “Our Government is still trying to banish people fleeing persecution to Rwanda despite the highest court in the land ruling the scheme unlawful.
“Tens of thousands of people are stuck in limbo waiting for their refugee protection to be processed, separated from their families and barred from working.
“These policies aren’t working for refugees and they aren’t working for local communities.
“That’s why we have come together to say we’ve had enough. Enough of the division. Enough of the short-term thinking. Enough of the wasted human potential. And it’s why we now call for something better.”
Signatories said they are “calling on you, our political leaders of all parties, to commit to a fair new plan for refugees” which includes upholding the UK’s commitment under international law to the right to claim asylum and scrapping the Rwanda scheme.
'I just think Gary Lineker should get on with commenting on football and stop meddling in these other areas', Grant Shapps says
Mr Lineker, who has been outspoken on the issue of the Government’s attitude to refugees, said: “We need a new system that reflects the will of the British people who have opened their homes, donated and volunteered in their local communities.
“That’s why I’m backing this new campaign – because fair really can begin here.”
But speaking on Monday, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps criticised Mr Lineker for his involvement and said he "should get on with commenting on football and stop meddling in these other areas".
He told ITV News: "It's really important that we understand that the moral thing to do is to break and crush these criminal gangs, and actually it's all very well signing letters in areas you like to commentate on, but I would suggest focusing on football would be a better solution for him."
A BBC spokesperson said: "We aren’t going to comment on individuals or indeed individual tweets.
"While the guidance does allow people to talk about issues that matter to them, it is also clear that individuals should be civil and not call into question anyone’s character.
"We discuss issues that arise with presenters as necessary."
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