A warm welcome for refugees in Folkestone

Today was unbelievably special. A huge crowd of more than 200 men, women and children turned up at the Folkestone military barracks this morning with heart-warming posters, chants and cheers to welcome the refugees there – all while dancing and singing to ‘You’ve Got a Friend in Me’.

The best part? The refugees inside the barracks also showed up with their own welcome messages for us! As we cheered and waved, they cheered and waved back. Despite the wired fence dividing us, in that moment we were all connected by the common humanity shared by the hundreds of people on either side of the wall. Even with social distancing and masks the mood was one of pure celebration and solidarity.

The welcome event was organised by our friends at Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) who ensured it was a smashing success with an amazing turnout. As is so often the case, crowds of well-wishers far outnumbered the small group of counter-protesters present, showing once and for all that there is no place for hate in Kent.

We are so grateful to everyone who attended today to lift the spirits of those in the barracks and show them that Britain cares. Together we made sure the hundreds of people there know that they are welcome in this country.

To get involved in our work to support refugees in the UK visit care4calais.org/uk