The Facts Behind the Pledge

 - Campaign responsibly, positively and sensitively

71% of the public think that the information they receive from politicians and the press does not make clear the difference between sanctuary and economic migration. 66% of the public think it is important for the UK to provide sanctuary to people fleeing persecution. The people who represent us in Parliament should have the confidence to stand in the centreground with the moderate majority who support sanctuary, and not exploit the fears of those who are concerned about other aspects of immigration.

- Promote a culture of sanctuary locally and nationally

 

'Asylum' has become a debased term. Only 17% of the public respond to it positively. More people associate it with mental illness than with providing safe haven to people fleeing persecution. It has become a BNP buzzword of hate.The public understands and prefers 'sanctuary' - 85% respond to it positively. Over half of the population have a personal sanctuary and are happy to relate it to people seeking a saf haven from persecution.Politicians should use 'sanctuary' rather than 'asylum' if they want their audience to understand that they are talking about people fleeing from persecution. Using new language will also help marginalise the BNP.

- Support policies that will end the detention of children and families for immigration reasons 

 

Around 1,000 children are locked up in immigration detention centres every year. Neither they nor their parents have committed a crime. Those who seek sanctuary in the UK can be detained by the UK authorities for an indefinite period.The detention of children has been heavily critcised by the Independent Asylum Commission, the Children's Commissioner for England, the Children's Society, Barnardo's and many others.Detaining children and families is expensive - it costs £130 per child per day or £20,000 for a family of four for 6 months. Other countries, such as Sweden, do not detain children and families. Australia, famous for its tough immigration system, has ended child detention.

- Promote understanding and neighbourliness between local communities 

55% of the public believe 'asylum seekers' have a negative impact on the UK. 61% have never met one.Leadership by political and civic representatives can bring communities together most effectively.

- Safeguard the long-term future of sanctuary 

The Independent Asylum Commission recommended that no child should leave school without having been taught about the UK's historic and current role as a place of sanctuary for people fleeing persecution.Engaging young people is the key to securing the long-term future of sanctuary in the UK.

* All poll figures from the Independent Asylum Commission's Public Attitudes Research Project.