We strongly condemn the campaign of intimidation and violent racist protests, targeting those who are, or who are perceived to be, asylum seekers, refugees or migrants, including children, young people and families spreading across the country.
Such hatred is never justified, and it is driven by falsehoods rather than facts.
At the same time, we’ve been made aware that some people who are taking part in these violent and racist rhetoric and acts also falsely claim to be working or volunteering with one of our NCB family members. All such claims we have been made aware of are absolutely false and have been reported and refuted wherever possible.
We are appalled at the use of our name to promote something so completely at odds with our values.
We want to make it absolutely clear that we do not partner with any businesses or individuals who promote violence or racism – and we never will.
We stand for children, young people and families, and for their safety, their rights and ability to flourish. We do not waver from our commitment to every child, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, background, or place of birth. All our activities and partnerships align with our core values of better together, taking care, always learning, being brave, and forever young.
We are on a journey to being a fully anti-racist organisation, and as such will always stand firm against any form of violence and discrimination including racism and xenophobia. We will continue to campaign for better treatment of those children and young people affected, such as scrapping the “No Recourse to Public Funds” policy and reforms to the education and justice systems that promote greater equality.
Our heart goes out to everyone who has been affected by the violence, both this year and last summer.
We urge everyone, including the government, not to give in to toxic, scapegoating rhetoric – and to use sound evidence against racist propaganda.
If you’ve been affected by the events, or want to find out more, you can find further resources, information and support here:
- How the asylum system works: Facts about refugees - Refugee Action
- More info on UK immigration policy: Who is welcome - Migrants' Rights Network
- Staying safe: Community Resources – HOPE not hate