Migrant watch (merged topic)

[johnhemming2]

This looks at the details of age claims
http://www.refugeelegalaidinformation.o ... teinUK.pdf

[biffvernon]

Yes, and I guess we hope the Home Office has learnt a thing or two since that was written five years ago. And as with other areas of justice, it is better to err on the side of the innocent.

We could, of course, discuss the merits of an arbitrary age boundary, either side of which people are treated differently.

[biffvernon]

Dame Stephanie Shirley, about 24 minutes in, a breath of fresh air that should shame some folk on migration.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b065s068

[AutomaticEarth]

Migrants kicking off in Kos (again).....

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-33951927

[Snail]

Charities are almost terrible things. That could be part of the strategy: stop these charity do-gooders doing good in the short-term only to do bad in the long.

[Little John]

Dame Stephanie Shirley, about 24 minutes in, a breath of fresh air that should shame some folk on migration.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b065s068

Which folk would that be? Anyone who does not share your view on it?

[biffvernon]

Owen Jones goes to Calais

http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/20 ... -are-human

[jonny2mad]

Owen Jones goes to Calais

http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/20 ... -are-human

Read it earlier hes a friend of a friend, and so we let in just people who speak english how will that work out

[UndercoverElephant]

Owen Jones goes to Calais

http://www.newstatesman.com/politics/20 ... -are-human

No, we do not forget they are human.

We just do not forget the bigger picture and the long-term consequences of our actions either.

This is pathetic. Really pathetic. It's at exactly the same level as those "Britain First" facebook posts with a picture of an abused dog and the words "Britain First says animal cruelty is wrong!"

To paraphrase: "If you believe we have to control migration then you're a heartless beast who has forgotten the migrants are human."

It does not matter how many time this pathetic message is repeated, it will remain pathetic. This tactic will not convince a single person to change their view.

[johnhemming2]

I take the view that politicians have a responsibility for protecting the interests of those that they represent. Allowing everyone in the world to come to the UK to claim benefits would not be protecting the interests of those currently in the UK.

[biffvernon]

I take the view that politicians have a responsibility for protecting the interests of those that they represent.

That may be their day-job description but I take the view that we all, even politicians, have a responsibility for protecting the interests of all of humanity.

[johnhemming2]

It strike me, however, that it would be better to encourage people more generally to work to create effective economies across the world rather than simply overwhelm the support systems in the more effective.

[Catweazle]

"what are the likely consequences of my actions?"

Someone gets helped. And one day we may get the opportunity to help someone else. Sounds a plan that confirms our humanity.

You can bet your life you'll get the opportunity to help their whole extended family, plus all their neighbours, and anyone else who hears about it.

[biffvernon]

If I've understood the sentiment behind the awkward English correctly, John, then of course I agree with you, but that should not for one moment detract from the importance and urgency of dealing with the current refugee crisis.
We have to do both, the one resulting from our failure to address the other.

[johnhemming2]

The problem with creating a loophole is that many more people then try to jump through it.