The futility of war

Thank you to everybody at Heart 4 Refugees, for all the work that you do all year round - and this amazing exhibition. It’s an absolute honour and privilege to open it today and launch the Refugee Week here on Wirral.

You know, we in Birkenhead have talked about and written poems about the futility of war, the heartbreak of war. The utter injustice that drives people from our homes to another country.

My mum here today. Her grandparents, my Jewish great grandparents, fled war and persecution in Eastern Europe and came to this country and found safety.

But we’re still having to deal with the fascism. The violence that drove my family to leave is still raising its ugly head in this country here today. We all have to be working together to combat that.

I know there are people here from other countries who have relatives, friends and family who are dealing with fascism, violence and war that’s made people leave to this country. It’s such an honour that you chose Birkenhead and Wirral to come to.

We are a very friendly and welcoming community in general. From my perspective and from the Green Party, refugees and asylum seekers are very, very welcome here.

May you stay as long as you want to.