Liberal Democrats lead call for inclusion and participation over division and fear

The Liberal Democrats have drafted a letter to the Prime Minister, warning that his comments referring to the country as an “island of strangers” risk undermining the values that underpin successful and diverse communities such as Southwark.  

In keeping with the theme of bringing people together, the Liberal Democrats have invited local Labour councillors as fellow elected representatives of their communities to add their names to the letter before sending it to the Prime Minister later this week.  

Commenting, Liberal Democrat Leader Cllr Victor Chamberlain said:  

“It was truly shocking to hear the Prime Minister use such divisive language when launching his new programme of changes to the immigration system. As one of the most diverse boroughs in the country, Southwark is a shining example of how people from different cultures and backgrounds from across the globe can thrive together.  

This isn’t about politics – this is about standing up for what’s right. That’s why we’ve extended an invitation to our Labour colleagues to join us in signing this letter, to urge the Prime Minister to exercise caution and think about boroughs like ours when considering his rhetoric and policy.”