Dear Mr Farage
I was sorry not to meet you on your visit to Oxford this week to announce your party’s new policy on migration.
As Bishop of Oxford, I know that Oxford is one of the kindest and most welcoming cities in the country and one of the greatest cultural crossroads in the world. I’m honoured to be one of the patrons of Asylum Welcome which offers information, advice and practical support to asylum seekers, refugees and vulnerable migrants living in Oxfordshire.
Our city seemed a strange choice for your press conference. Perhaps you had in mind that you were near the site of Campsfield House, opposite the airport in Kidlington. Campsfield House was an Immigration Removal Centre operated by Group 4 which closed in 2018. I remember vividly going to visit and meeting those detained in my early years as Bishop. The government plans to re-build and re-open the site as part of its long-term plans.
I agree with some of what you said in the press conference. Immigration questions and border security are vital. The flow of migrants across the Channel in small boats is perilous and heartbreaking to watch. There are real challenges to community cohesion if these issues are not addressed.
But I disagree (profoundly) with your proposed policy in the following ways:
I heard no compassion in what you said for those who are at risk from people traffickers; those who fled for their lives; those who long for sanctuary and safety; the vulnerable who would be forcibly deported. The British people, as I understand them, want public policies founded on the deeply British and Christian values of compassion and care for those in need.
I heard nothing at all about the complexity of the problem. Migration is a global issue not a local issue. Migration into Europe affects our neighbours. International co-operation is key to resolving and improving the situation. International development in rebuilding countries of origin is vital. The biggest driver of global migration now and in the future is climate change. International agreements on combatting climate change and mitigation are a vital part of the solution.
I heard nothing about international collaboration other than attempting to negotiate bilateral agreements to return those who enter the country illegally.
You published broad brush intentions with insufficient attention to detail. As you are well aware, there have been numerous attempts to address the question of migration but all have faltered for lack of compassion, attention to complexity, collaboration or attention to granular challenges of law and resources. I cannot see that the proposals you outlined yesterday will be any different. You are raising hopes for some without the means of delivery.
In order to achieve your aims you set out your intention to dismantle key legal frameworks: the European Convention on Human Rights; the UN Treaty against torture and the Refugee Convention. These frameworks give protection to us all; they are built on key principles of justice and democracy; they are fundamental to the world order Britain helped to build in the 20th Century.
Most of all, I disagree profoundly with your attempts to politicise the questions of migration and asylum by deliberately increasing fear of the stranger in our communities. Community cohesion and mutual respect are vital assets in any local community. There are many, many forces which seek to separate good neighbours and sow distrust. We have seen an increase in hate crime in recent months, even in this kindest and most international of cities. To see any politician with a public platform seeking to play on these fears and stoke division for political advantage is deeply disturbing.
Oxford’s cohesion is built on complex networks of strong relationships between different faith and civic groups. I and my colleagues see and work with similar initiatives in Milton Keynes, Reading, Slough, Banbury and the other diverse communities which fall within the Diocese of Oxford. We are not helped by politicians who seek to stoke division for their own political ends.
I agree with the need to focus energy and leadership on the questions you are highlighting. However, for the sake of our local communities, I would appeal to every party to depoliticise this most toxic of issues and seek cross party agreement on solutions wherever possible.
I would be very happy to engage in further conversation on all of this. I hope next time you are able to visit Oxford it will be possible to meet.
With kind regards and prayers that wisdom and compassion will shape your political agenda,
+Steven
