A CAMPAIGN calling on the next UK government to commit to a fair new plan for refugees has been supported by a Succession star.
Actor Brian Cox has joined the campaign Team Fair Begins Here revealed by the Scottish Refugee Council (SRC) on World Refugee Day today, June 20.
The legendary actor has called for the next UK government to stop the “chaos and cruelty” of the current asylum system.
SRC are calling for a “fair shot” for people seeking asylum in the UK and say the campaign, which coincides with Euro 2024, embraces the tournament's values of fair play, solidarity, and equality.
The campaign is also supported by comedian Frankie Boyle and author Denise Mina.
Cox, a member of Team Fair Begins Here, has said he is proud to stand up for a fairer system for refugees across Scotland.
He said: “The chaos and cruelty of the current asylum system cannot be allowed to continue.
“The next government has the chance to make a major reset on how the UK treats refugees.
“It must commit to a fair new plan for refugees and represent what we know people across the country really want. I’m proud to join Team Fair Begins Here on World Refugee Day and take a stand for something better.”
According to polling, commissioned by Together With Refugees, 80% of people want an approach to the asylum system that is well-managed, fair, and compassionate.
The Fair Begins Here campaign is calling on the next UK Government to improve the asylum system by offering better protection for people fleeing war and persecution by upholding the UK’s commitment under international law and scrapping the Rwanda scheme.
They also want a proper strategy for welcoming refugees by ensuring fair, rapid decisions on their application for asylum, and the chance to rebuild their lives through settling in a community, among other points.
Sabir Zazai, co-chair of Together With Refugee and CEO of Scottish Refugee Council, who is a former refugee from Afghanistan hopes a fairer asylum system can be achieved.
He said: “Today, I am proud to call Scotland home. My hope is that others fleeing war and persecution have the same opportunities to rebuild their lives in safety.
“When you give people a fair shot – the chance to work, put down roots and play a part in their new communities – they can achieve their goals and help create a better, richer society for us all.
“Sadly, the current system isn’t working for refugees or local communities. It’s time to show cruelty and division the red card!
“We need to make it clear to politicians from all parties that most people want a kinder, fairer and more effective refugee system.
“The louder our voice becomes, the harder it will be for the next UK government to ignore.”
The campaign follows the launch of the Refugee Festival Scotland, a 10-day celebration of art, culture, and community, with over 150 events across the country.
The festival, which started on June 14, aims to bring people together from different backgrounds in friendship and solidarity as there will be performances from artists who have come to Scotland seeking refugee protection, along with the communities that have welcomed them.
