Passing Comment – Llantwit Major’s sanctuary spirit shines through
By Sue Vincent Jones
Well, fancy the Far Right thinking they can just saunter into our Vale to cause chaos amongst one of our most cohesive communities.
Patriotic Alternative, were, quite rightly, given very short-shrift when they landed in Llantwit Major recently to protest against the temporary housing of Ukrainian refugees in the area.
Several hundred rallying residents soon sent the 20 extremists packing with a mixture of peaceful protest, a local church overnight vigil, a Welsh cake giveaway and a footie match.
What a wonderful way to fight hate.
I am proud that people power won through with no violence or confrontation, and only two arrests – neither local.
Organisers said they are living in a community of kindness – I like that.
I also like to think that any area of our Vale of Glamorgan would soon spring into action if they found the Far right trying to organise on their patch. I just know we are better than that, and that we are definitely better than them.
Wales is a nation of sanctuary so why wouldn’t we do our best to ensure those fleeing war and persecution are taken care of with compassion and kindness?
In my view, fuelling resentment and rancour towards those who find themselves in the saddest of situations through no fault of their own doesn’t do anyone any favours.
We must all be both visible and vocal if we are to stand squarely in solidarity with our neighbours – however racially diverse they are, or however temporary their stay may be.
Thank you Llantwit Major for doing that so smoothly.
Mind you, and you can call me controversial if you like, I do think that there is an issue with our borders. And that the ever-increasing numbers who are entering our country through dangerous routes as their only means to escape is outrageous.
It’s staggering how desperate many must be to risk their life and limb in a small boat sailing into unchartered territory to an unknown fate. Safe routes are surely the answer, maybe that five-point plan will work wonders, or is there something else up the sleeve of our national Government.
But, for me, one thing that won’t wash, in my view, is sending asylum seekers and refugees straight on a plane to shaky human-rights record Rwanda.
What do you think?
- The views expressed by columnists of this newspaper do not necessarily reflect the views of the Glamorgan Star, its employees or its proprietors
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