The Pledge Six Steps Get Training News & Media Our Supporters

Britain has a proud history of providing sanctuary to people fleeing from persecution and tyranny.  

Our nation provided sanctuary to Huguenots fleeing religious persecution in 17th century France, Jews fleeing the Nazi regime in the 1930s, Ugandan Asians forced out by Idi Amin in the 1970s, Bosnians escaping ethnic cleansing in the 1990s and Zimbabweans seeking a safe haven today. Our tradition of providing sanctuary is part of what makes Britain great.

That tradition is under threat.

In recent years the rise of extremist politics, media scare stories, and high profile failings by the Home Office have led to this issue becoming a political football.

Yet over two-thirds of the public still think it is important that the UK provides sanctuary to people fleeing persecution. We agree. We believe that sanctuary should not just be part of the UK’s history. It should be part of our future too.

The Sanctuary Pledge is our response. We need ordinary citizens - like you - to convince your political representatives to sign the Sanctuary Pledge at the 2010 General Election. 

Please help us to rebuild support for sanctuary.