Petition aims to goad council into refugee aid

Samantha Robinson has started a petition calling on the council to promise to welcome refugee families.

It comes after shocking photos of Aylan, the toddler who drowned fleeing Syria, triggered massive public outcry at the government’s response to the refugee crisis.

Samantha is calling on locals across Biggleswade to sign the petition and join the call for local politicians to commit to welcoming refugee families escaping violence in Syria.

Their petition is one of hundreds set up across the country by members of campaign group 38 Degrees, demanding politicians where they live step up and do more to help victims of this crisis.

Samantha said: “I started this petition because the tragic photos of Aylan were the final straw. I had to do something to show that refugees are welcome here. I know that Biggleswade isn’t the kind of place to turn its back as people drown in their desperation to flee places like Syria. I am so proud of all the local people who have already shown their support.”

Megan Bentall, a campaigner at 38 Degrees said:

“This public outcry should send a clear message to MPs and councillors that more needs to be done to help the desperate men, women and children escaping violence in Syria. People in Biggleswade will be adding their voices to calls from thousands of people across the country to say that enough is enough. Too many people have drowned just trying to reach safety. Politicians need to step up before thousands more people die.”

Go to https://you.38degrees.org.uk/efforts/refugees-welcome