The departure of Enver Solomon as chief executive of the Refugee Council has prompted a wave of heartfelt responses from Guardian readers, who see his exit as a symptom of a deepening crisis in Britain's approach to refugees and asylum seekers.
A Loss of Faith in Political Compassion
In letters published following an interview with Solomon on 24 November, readers expressed profound disillusionment with the current political landscape. One correspondent, 75-year-old Linda Payne from Leatherhead, Surrey, stated that reading about Solomon's work was the only thing stopping her from despairing about the country's direction. She revealed she had left the Labour party after decades of support, believing politicians are no longer capable of making things better, while individuals like Solomon can.
Payne highlighted her personal connection to the issue, mentioning her seven grandchildren, four of whom are from a mixed heritage background. She voiced shock and confusion at a political climate where her family could feel threatened and where governments speak of vulnerable refugees "as if they are nothing".
Global Parallels and a Search for Humanity
Another reader, Peter Speyer from London, drew a stark parallel between current UK and global immigration policies and the apartheid-era pass laws of South Africa, a system both he and Solomon's mother experienced. He argued the primary task of the 'first world' is now to use and exclude a poor population to maintain privilege and wealth.
However, Speyer pointed to a recent Guardian article about Spain's more humane approach as a potential direction. He noted that Spain's system for seasonal workers, while not ideal, offers a less punitive alternative to the politicisation of those simply seeking a better life for their families.
The Chilling Narrative and a Glimmer of Hope
The sentiment of lost political allegiance was echoed by Jo Davis from Brighton, East Sussex, who stated she has totally lost support for a Labour party she no longer recognises. She described the narrative around asylum seekers as "chilling" and found it hard to feel positive about the future for those fleeing desperate situations.
Despite the overwhelming tone of concern, the letters collectively identified a crucial source of hope: the work of individuals like Enver Solomon. Linda Payne concluded that figures like him restore her faith, proving the country is "not all bad" when such people undertake extraordinary roles. This reflection underscores a significant public sentiment where trust is shifting from political institutions to grassroots humanitarian action.
