No place for racism in city

Racists and fascists have paraded through our peaceful city with their message of hate and division, cynically exploiting poverty in an attempt to stir up racism and division.

Anti-immigrant rhetoric poisons our society, diverting popular anger away from the real enemies: the bankers, the corporations, and the politicians whose savage cuts are being imposed on millions of working people while the rich get richer.

These are difficult times but looking for scapegoats and promoting intolerance offer no solutions.

Migrant workers, refugees, asylum seekers and members of any one faith are not responsible for the financial crisis, cuts to welfare, poverty pay, lack of decent housing and a failing NHS.

Fear and hatred allow the rich and powerful to continue damaging our country. We are a wealthy nation and there is always plenty of money for war.

Sunderland’s population is shrinking. In fact, we need immigrants in areas such as social care, education, construction and, of course, the health service, where they make up 40% of staff.

We urge all who want to see a better future for our children to support Sunderland as a City of Sanctuary, for all those escaping violence, war, torture, famine, persecution and political imprisonment.

As human beings, we have a responsibility, to support human rights, wherever they are abused and to ensure Sunderland remains a city where we coexist in peace, no matter what our race or religion.

Sunderland has a welldeserved reputation for solidarity and supporting each other.

We pride ourselves on the diversity of our communities and our mixed heritages.

There’s no place for racism in our great city.

Rog and Pam Wortley