Church leaders appeal to PM over migration rhetoric – Premier Christian News

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More than 20 senior faith leaders from across the UK have called on the government to reconsider its approach and language regarding migration, following the publication of the latest immigration White Paper.
Key changes in the paper involve the standard period for settlement in points-based system routes being doubled to ten years, graduate visas being reduced to 18 months, and the immigration skills charge being set to increase by 32 per cent.
It comes a week after Keir Starmer said "without strong migration rules, Britain risks becoming an island of strangers" – a statement publically criticised by the Bishop of Chelmsford, who is herself a refugee. 

In an open letter to the Prime Minister, signatories from the Baptist, Methodist, United Reformed Churches, the Church of Scotland, and Jewish and Salvation Army leadership expressed concern that current rhetoric risks deepening division and fuelling public anxiety
The letter urges the government to adopt a “more compassionate narrative” and warns that references to the “incalculable” damage of uncontrolled migration could harm migrant communities and “strengthen those who would divide us”.
“We recognise that there is public concern around migration… But this must be done in a way which is principled, and lowers the temperature of the debate, respecting the dignity of all who make up our nation,” the letter reads
The faith leaders highlight the positive contributions of migrants to the UK and stress the importance of fostering integration and unity. They note that recommendations from government-commissioned reviews on integration remain unimplemented
The letter also calls for fair policies balancing the needs of host communities and providing real opportunities for those fleeing conflict and persecution.
Among the signatories are Revd Tim Meadows, Moderator of General Assembly of the United Reformed Church; Revd Helen Cameron and Mrs Carolyn Godfrey, President and Vice-President of the Methodist Conference; several bishops from the Church of England; Revd Lynn Green, General Secretary of The Baptist Union of Great Britain; and leading figures from Jewish and Salvation Army communities.
The group concludes: “Our country would be so much poorer without [migrants].”
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