Home Secretary Suella Braverman condemned for using the word ‘invasion’ during House of Commons speech
Refugee charities, opposition politicians and Leeds people have shared their thoughts on the Home Secretary’s choice of language.
Home Secretary Suella Braverman addressed the House of Commons on October 31.
In her statement she referred to an increase of asylum seekers and migrants as an ‘invasion’.
Her language on the delicate matter has sparked a debate amongst charities and other politicians who have condemned her choice of words.
The Refugee Council said: “To describe the serious and complex situation created by the asylum crisis as an ‘invasion’ is appalling, wrong and dangerous.
“These are men, women and children fleeing war, persecution and conflict.”
The Home Secretary's comments came just one day after a fire bomb was used in an attack in Dover.
A man was found to have thrown a homemade device at the Border Force migrant centre on October 30.
In her statement the Home Secretary said that the asylum system was broken.
She said: “We need to be straight with the public.
“Illegal migration is out of control and too many people are interested in playing political parlour games, covering up the truth rather than solving the problem.”
The Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants said that comments she made during her statement were “heinous”.
The charity Care4Calais who work closely with asylum seekers and migrants Tweeted this in response to the Home Secretary's words: “This is incredibly offensive. Refugees are escaping from conflicts - they know what being invaded feels like.
“We are lucky that many of us do not.
“To suggest they are committing an act of war when that is what they are feeling is indefensible.”
Immigration minister Robert Jenrick spoke out about Suella’s language.
He told Sky News: “In a job like mine, you have to choose your words very carefully.
“And I would never demonise people coming to this country in pursuit of a better life.”
Yvette Cooper also condemned the Home Secretary, she said: “For a home secretary to use deliberately inflammatory language the day after a petrol bomb attack on an initial processing centre is highly
irresponsible.
“This is yet more evidence that Suella Braverman does not take public safety or national security seriously.”
Jonny Treacy wrote: “The Tories have had 12 years to resolve this. All we get are sound bites and this is clearly a distraction to gloss over the fact that she has been put back in a post where she was sacked for breaching protocol and national security.”
Irene Dee Morgan said: “These comments are irresponsible given the recent attack on a migrant centre.
“They are dehumanising and will encourage further hatred.”
Andy Hewitt wrote: “Inflammatory and disgusting. Why is this security risk still in position?”
But others have defended the Home Secretary’s comments.
Stuart Pickin said: “I back the Home Secretary she is saying what a lot of people in this country are saying.”
Pam Darlington agreed, she wrote: “She was absolutely spot on with what she said.”
“She is absolutely correct and seems to be the only one in Parliament with any backbone,” said Ken Wakefield.