Outrage at Government's refusal to save migrants from drowning

Sarah Teather on Government decision not to support Mediterranean search and rescue operations: "We should all be ashamed"

October 28, 2014 11:02 AM

Lampedusa Boat, Dec 2013Responding to the Government's announcement that it will not be continuing support for search and rescue operations to prevent refugees and migrants drowning in the Mediterranean, Sarah Teather MP, Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Refugees, said:

"This decision is deeply depressing. We would rather let people drown for nothing other than baseless political motives. It shows that when it comes to immigration, the Government has plumbed new depths of inhumanity.

"We cannot pretend this problem has nothing to do with us and wash our hands as people die. It is the policies we are pursuing, attempting to turn Europe into a fortress with no safe routes in, that is forcing migrants into risking their lives. We are forcing people to choose between dying in their own war torn country and drowning in the sea.

"While we agree to bomb ISIS and dish out weapons to other groups in the Middle East, we offer no protection to those fleeing the conflict. Instead we have to listen as Ministers claim that UK towns are "under siege" from migrants.

"Last month I visited Lebanon, where nearly a quarter of the population are now refugees from the region. The hospitality I witnessed there was inspiring. How depressing that the UK's response, rather than to extend a hand of welcome, is to turn our back on the biggest refugee crisis for over half a century. We should all be ashamed."