The White Cliffs can’t escape politics

An article introducing this blog reflected on the symbolic importance of the White Cliffs: 

“As a landmark that the British identify as a symbol of their country, the White Cliffs invite British introspection and raise questions about what Britain stands for”.

Recently, Global Justice Now (GJN) have used the cliffs as a canvas on which to project their vision of Britain.

GJN have projected the words: ‘#REFUGEES WELCOME’ onto the White Cliffs of Dover. Director of GJN Nick Dearden explained that the projection presents an alternative vision of the UK. This Britain is built on “compassion, solidarity and recognition of common humanity”. The gesture constituted a pre-emptive response to anti-immigration protests due to take place in Dover on April 2nd.

Not everyone is in agreement

However well-intentioned GJN’s projection, it may not have been entirely appropriate.

In January 2016 a poll conducted for BBC local radio found that 50% of Britons did not want Britain to accept more refugees from Syria and Libya. Meanwhile, 61% thought that accepting such refugees would place Britain’s security at risk.

Perhaps GJN might attempt to convince more than half of the British public of its position before speaking on their behalf.