Welsh Minister’s stark warning to Westminster on International Migrants Day

On International Migrants Day, Deputy Minister and Chief Whip Jane Hutt celebrated the contribution migrants have made to Wales and issued a warning to the Home Secretary to close the Penally Asylum camp or risk damaging the UK’s international reputation.

Deputy Minister and Chief Whip Jane Hutt stated:

“International Migrants Day is a time when we reflect on our nation’s values towards migrants, whether they came here through choice or because circumstances forced them. Migrants have made such an enormous contribution to our Welsh Society, it’s fitting that we champion and celebrate them all on International Migrants Day. 

 We must never forget the impact that migrants have made on our society. Their work right across our nation, in our NHS, in our schools and in our care homes. That’s why we celebrate International Migrants Day in Wales, we respect, welcome and appreciate their contribution to our society.”

 The Deputy Minister and Chief Whip also used the opportunity to reiterate the importance for European Union citizens to register for settled status.

“The First Minister and I are reiterating our call today to the European Union Citizens living across our nation, Wales is your home, it always will be and we want you to stay, so it’s vitally important to register for settled status before the deadline of 30 June 2021.”

Whilst also celebrating International Migrants Day, the Deputy Minister and Chief Whip issued a stark warning to the Home Secretary to immediately close the former military camp at Penally being used to house asylum seekers or risk harming the UK’s international reputation.

“If the UK Government wants to present a post-EU, open and welcoming nation to the world, the Home Secretary must act now to immediately close the Penally camp and move residents to more appropriate facilities. The conditions are unsafe, unsuitable and unsustainable. Wales is a nation of sanctuary and this means treating those seeking sanctuary with dignity and respect. 

I’m calling on the Home Secretary to take action now to reverse these inhumane conditions and demonstrate that our international reputation for promoting human rights is justified.”