Scores of stars are calling on the UK government to protect refugees in a powerful film
Dame Emma Thompson, Meryl Streep and Sylvester Stallone are the stars who have called on the UK government to reverse a “cruel law” that will criminalize refugees amid the Ukraine conflict.
Written by actor and comedian David Schneider, the film puts the viewer in the shoes of a refugee who has been driven from his homeland because war has devastated his country.
Actors Daniel Radcliffe, David Morrissey and David Harewood join Sanjeev Bhaskar, Luke Evans and writer Benjamin Zephaniah in the film.
It shows how refugees could be seen as criminals under the new Nationality and Borders Bill if they made their way to the UK in search of safety.
The bill is currently in the final stages of Parliament.
Dame Emma said: “This law goes against basic humanity.
“Every day we hear the devastating stories of Ukrainian women and children who have left their homes in ruins, left their loved ones behind, exhausted, scared and in dire need of safety.
“These are the experiences of refugees fleeing war and bloodshed in countries around the world.
Demonstrators on the beach at King Edward’s Bay in Tynemouth to show solidarity with refugees and to protest against the Nationality and Borders Bill currently going through Parliament (Owen Humphreys/PA)
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“The idea that the government would, through this law, attempt to punish and criminalize those families who traveled the wrong way to Britain in their struggle for safety is immoral even in Scripture.
“We have a rich history in this country of welcoming those in need of refuge, just as we would ask others if we were in need.
“We urge the government to reconsider this cruel law immediately.”
The Refugee Council is asking the public to email their MP to put pressure on the government.
Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, said: “We are seeing an unprecedented level of support for the plight of the people of Ukraine.
“This war is happening on our doorstep and the country is united and ready to do its part to help the refugees.
“We call on this government to do the right thing for refugees in Ukraine and around the world by immediately removing these most pernicious elements of the law.”
https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/movies/host-of-stars-urge-uk-government-to-protect-refugees-in-powerful-film-41502796.html Scores of stars are calling on the UK government to protect refugees in a powerful film
