Colin Firth And Emma Thompson Sign Pledge For Refugees (LOOK TO THE STARS - CELEBRITY GIVING)

March 19, 2012

Actors Colin Firth and Emma Thompson have joined over 10,000 people in calling for the government to ensure refugees fleeing persecution and conflict are protected in the UK.

In signing the Refugee Council pledge, celebrities, MPs, peers, and over 10,000 people have declared they are proud the UK protects refugees, and are now asking the government to ensure refugees fleeing abuses in countries such as Syria and Iran are able to build a new home in safety in the UK. Other celebrities who have signed the pledge include Jon Snow, Esther Rantzen, Zoë Wanamaker, and Livia Firth.

“My son escaped violence in his country, and I am thankful every single day that he did. He was able to build a new life here – we have the UN Refugee Convention to thank for that,” said Emma Thompson. “But it isn’t easy and refugees still aren’t treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. We must never forget the importance of giving people who have lost everything the chance to start again in a safe country and we can all do more to make the UK a welcoming place.”

The petition was presented at an event in parliament yesterday (15 March) at which MPs and peers discussed the challenges facing refugees integrating in British communities, following the publication of the government’s controversial integration strategy.

READ MORE:  http://www.looktothestars.org/news/8046-colin-firth-and-emma-thompson-sign-pledge-for-refugees