Bexhill Stand Up to Racism campaign stall, April 2023. PHOTO: Bexhill Stand Up to Racism
Anti-racist counter-protest in Bexhill this Saturday (22 July)
The government’s relentless campaign to scapegoat and demonise refugees is stirring up racist hatred. Simon Hester from Hastings Stand Up to Racism reports on what’s happening in Bexhill.
People seeking asylum are welcome here and should be allowed to work and live in our community. But there is a racist backlash in Bexhill, triggered by the announcement in March that the ex-prison at Northeye will be used as a camp to house people seeking asylum.
Members of Hastings Stand Up to Racism are concerned that over the last few weeks the opposition to the Northeye camp has developed into an overtly racist anti-immigrant campaign – see photos below from a rally held on 1 July this year.
A group called No To Northeye, has called a rally on Saturday 22 July.
But there is opposition. A ‘Solidarity with refugees’ counter-demonstration will also be taking place: 12 noon, Saturday 22 July, Bexhill Town Hall Square, TN40 1QH.
Daniel Rushby, convenor of Bexhill Stand Up To Racism, said, “Bexhill is not a racist town. We will be there on Saturday to show that racism will be challenged and that we welcome refugees into our community. This protest is not a confrontation but a peaceful show of solidarity with refugees. We urge people to join us.”
Protest in Bexhill, 1 July 2023. PHOTO: Bexhill Stand Up To Racism
Daniel added, “The government want us to blame refugees for the problems we all face – mainly caused by the government.
“The Tories, not refugees, are underfunding and privatising the NHS, schools and public services. Tory policies are driving up prices and holding down wages. It is not refugees that failed to build affordable housing or to control rents.
“The government proposal to accommodate refugees in the ex-prison at Northeye is intended to make headlines and to create division. Public services in Bexhill are already stretched to breaking point with not enough GPs or dentists and inadequate public transport. It is no surprise that there is widespread opposition to the plan for around 1,000 refugees to be housed in a small rural area.
Protest in Bexhill, 1 July 2023: PHOTO: Bexhill Stand Up to Racism
“We oppose the camp because it is totally inappropriate for people seeking asylum. The use of barges, detention camps and the plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda are expensive, performative cruelty.”
The government originally announced that 1,200 refugees would start arriving at the camp by September. This timetable has slipped – the site has still not been bought by the Home Office, at a cost of £15 million!
Two legal challenges have also been initiated with unknown outcomes so far.
Bexhill Stand Up To Racism has organised mass door-to-door leafleting in defence of refugees. More leafleting is planned. Anybody wishing to get involved should email bexhillsutr@gmail.com
Nigel Jacklin from ‘No To Northeye’ responds:
My wife and I set up ‘No To Northeye’ in March when the camp was announced.
‘No To Northeye’ is not anti-migrant, it is anti illegal immigrant. This was the ninth protest we have attended and the sixth we have organised.
‘No To Northeye’ was set up by a group of local residents to oppose the camp. The initial members include both non-white Brits and legal immigrants. The group has support from the established immigrant community. To portray us as anti-migrant is a fallacy.
If you’re enjoying HOT and would like us to continue providing fair and balanced reporting on local matters please consider making a donation. Click here to open our PayPal donation link. Thank you for your continued support!
Also in: Campaigns
« Hastings Trades Council backs Just Transition72-hour ‘fast for fossil fuel divestment’ »
