Afghan refugees arrive in Blackpool........

Just seems strange they end up all the way here. Surprised the Gazette hasnt mentioned it. No real concern either way but seems a strange place to house them.
 
I think there is, a clear distinction between genuine political and economic refugees.The former have my sympathy but safe zones should be closer to their point of departure where possible. For the Afghans this is probably impossible as they may still be at risk in other Muslim areas, so all countries should operate a quota system.
Economic refugees should apply for fixed term work visas before being allowed entry and it should be managed strictly with limited access to health care and other benefits.
 
Some Afghan refugees have arrived in Manchester
My girlfriend and her daughter are going over there on Saturday with some clothes
They’ve arrived with just the clothes they’re wearing so are obviously in need. I’m going to have a search through my wardrobe tomorrow and send some stuff over
So if any of you guys have got some clean clothes you would normally be throwing out I’m sure they’d be appreciated
 
RUSTY_2_STANDS said:
Some Afghan refugees have arrived in Manchester
My girlfriend and her daughter are going over there on Saturday with some clothes
They’ve arrived with just the clothes they’re wearing so are obviously in need. I’m going to have a search through my wardrobe tomorrow and send some stuff over
So if any of you guys have got some clean clothes you would normally be throwing out I’m sure they’d be appreciated
Click to expand...
How can we do this? Is there a collection point anywhere?
 
RUSTY_2_STANDS said:
I think we can all agree that those poor people who helped our and the US armed forces are genuine refugees and their lives are undoubtedly in danger. As no doubt are many other Afghans stuck there
But let’s just get as many as possible out and ask questions later as to whether they’re genuine
It’s an awful situation. Heartbreaking 😢
Click to expand...
The way things are going I have a tendency to agree, lets hope our security force is up to the job. I still have reservations, however.
 
tangysider said:
I think there is, a clear distinction between genuine political and economic refugees.The former have my sympathy but safe zones should be closer to their point of departure where possible. For the Afghans this is probably impossible as they may still be at risk in other Muslim areas, so all countries should operate a quota system.
Economic refugees should apply for fixed term work visas before being allowed entry and it should be managed strictly with limited access to health care and other benefits.
Click to expand...

"genuine political and economic refugees" is like saying there's a difference between ex-pats and immigrants.
 
RUSTY_2_STANDS said:
Some Afghan refugees have arrived in Manchester
My girlfriend and her daughter are going over there on Saturday with some clothes
They’ve arrived with just the clothes they’re wearing so are obviously in need. I’m going to have a search through my wardrobe tomorrow and send some stuff over
So if any of you guys have got some clean clothes you would normally be throwing out I’m sure they’d be appreciated
Click to expand...
There could end up with thousands of Afghans walking around in tangerine apparel 👍
 
tangysider said:
I think there is, a clear distinction between genuine political and economic refugees.The former have my sympathy but safe zones should be closer to their point of departure where possible. For the Afghans this is probably impossible as they may still be at risk in other Muslim areas, so all countries should operate a quota system.
Economic refugees should apply for fixed term work visas before being allowed entry and it should be managed strictly with limited access to health care and other benefits.
Click to expand...
We need to be careful with the naming conventions. People escaping political, economic, military and/or sectarian exploitation or violence are correctly refugees. Those who are not trying to escape persecution but who are seeking a better standard of living are correctly economic migrants. In the former group are people suffering from economic disaster (flood, famine, earthquakes) who live under a benign Government and who need aid in their own country or (if displaced) a temporary refuge close by. Those whose lives are under threat from people exploiting or terrorising them are refugees who should be made welcome in all of the safe countries of the world.
 
1966_and_all_that said:
We need to be careful with the naming conventions. People escaping political, economic, military and/or sectarian exploitation or violence are correctly refugees. Those who are not trying to escape persecution but who are seeking a better standard of living are correctly economic migrants. In the former group are people suffering from economic disaster (flood, famine, earthquakes) who live under a benign Government and who need aid in their own country or (if displaced) a temporary refuge close by. Those whose lives are under threat from people exploiting or terrorising them are refugees who should be made welcome in all of the safe countries of the world.
Click to expand...
A lot of the problems stem from the UN being self serving, racked with country disputes and toothless.
Genocide and persecution should not be tolerated in any nation and if the UN which should truly represent Global standards and force countries to tow the line. Sanctions imposed by one or two countries are circumvented.
China are one of worst current examples for supporting corrupt regimes to plunder natural resources
 
tangysider said:
A lot of the problems stem from the UN being self serving, racked with country disputes and toothless.
Genocide and persecution should not be tolerated in any nation and if the UN which should truly represent Global standards and force countries to tow the line. Sanctions imposed by one or two countries are circumvented.
China are one of worst current examples for supporting corrupt regimes to plunder natural resources
Click to expand...
A mixed post tangysider. I agree with what you say about not tolerating genocide and persecution. However, the UN is as strong or as impotent as world leaders want it to be. It fulfils an important role and succeeds in many ways, (UNICEF is a good example), but it cannot police rogue States.
 
RUSTY_2_STANDS said:
Some Afghan refugees have arrived in Manchester
My girlfriend and her daughter are going over there on Saturday with some clothes
They’ve arrived with just the clothes they’re wearing so are obviously in need. I’m going to have a search through my wardrobe tomorrow and send some stuff over
So if any of you guys have got some clean clothes you would normally be throwing out I’m sure they’d be appreciated
Click to expand...
As_time_goes_bye said:
How can we do this? Is there a collection point anywhere?
Click to expand...
Brilliant chaps! You've just inspired me to look through my wardrobe and sort some stuff out to donate.
 
1966_and_all_that said:
A mixed post tangysider. I agree with what you say about not tolerating genocide and persecution. However, the UN is as strong or as impotent as world leaders want it to be. It fulfils an important role and succeeds in many ways, (UNICEF is a good example), but it cannot police rogue States.
Click to expand...
So how do you protect against genocide if not through UN?
Many of the rogue states are worst culprits, or does the world just wring its hands and offer token refugee policies
 
tangysider said:
So how do you protect against genocide if not through UN?
Many of the rogue states are worst culprits, or does the world just wring its hands and offer token refugee policies
Click to expand...
That's a million dollar question. The world looks to do things through the UN, the World Bank, the G7, the G20 and as many avenues of communication that it can. So no, the world doesn't just wring its hands - it has to persevere in ways that it can.
 
Genuinely couldn't care.

If we're one of the world-leading countries then we should be setting an example for the world.

In the past, we've taken in the absolute bare minimum possible compared to other countries.

I also don't buy the point that "we're overpopulated" either.

There are half a million empty homes in the UK.

Our NHS and social system have been underfunded for the population we have now for decades.
 
Last edited:
My girlfriend is going over to Manchester on the train tomorrow morning. Her and her daughter have volunteered to help. The latest she knows is that the refugees are in Covid isolation for 10 days, so unlikely they will need clothes just yet. But no doubt she'll find out more tomorrow and if or when she does I'll put any info on here.
 
1966_and_all_that said:
We need to be careful with the naming conventions. People escaping political, economic, military and/or sectarian exploitation or violence are correctly refugees. Those who are not trying to escape persecution but who are seeking a better standard of living are correctly economic migrants. In the former group are people suffering from economic disaster (flood, famine, earthquakes) who live under a benign Government and who need aid in their own country or (if displaced) a temporary refuge close by. Those whose lives are under threat from people exploiting or terrorising them are refugees who should be made welcome in all of the safe countries of the world.
Click to expand...
I agree with the sentiment, but it's not quite so simple as that, is it? If only it was!
 
EagleDay said:
I agree with the sentiment, but it's not quite so simple as that, is it? If only it was!
Click to expand...
It's never simple but it's a reasonable starting point for differentiating groups of people who are struggling with oppression of different kinds.
I don't want to get into a points scoring thing here Eagle. I think this thread has been a good one and shows posters in a good light.
 
1966_and_all_that said:
It's never simple but it's a reasonable starting point for differentiating groups of people who are struggling with oppression of different kinds.
I don't want to get into a points scoring thing here Eagle. I think this thread has been a good one and shows posters in a good light.
Click to expand...
No attempt at point-scoring 1966, I just wish it was as simple as some people seem to think.
 
1966_and_all_that said:
A mixed post tangysider. I agree with what you say about not tolerating genocide and persecution. However, the UN is as strong or as impotent as world leaders want it to be. It fulfils an important role and succeeds in many ways, (UNICEF is a good example), but it cannot police rogue States.
Click to expand...
Exactly. My brother in law works for the UN and was supposed to be coming up to visit with my sister this weekend. However, the drastic situation in Afghanistan means that (as some sort of local security forces coordinator) he needs to continue working "around the clock" to help officials, and if possible, locals, over there. Have to say it's a little more important than a weekend of eating good food and drinking too much up here with us.
I think they try their best, most of the time. The Balkan conflict was not a good example, however.
 
Housing the rescued 11,000 Afghan refugees is one heck of a logistical challenge for the 398 Principle Councils in the UK.
Housing is in short supply across the country, but us in the north will welcome them with open arms - it would be nice for the affluent south east to do the same.
Every council must be directed to take a fair proportion, and give our new residents a happy and healthy life, free from their oppressive torturers.
We're sure our brilliant BFC Community Team will give all the support they can & recruit some new Seasiders!
 
BlackpoolWolves said:
Exactly. My brother in law works for the UN and was supposed to be coming up to visit with my sister this weekend. However, the drastic situation in Afghanistan means that (as some sort of local security forces coordinator) he needs to continue working "around the clock" to help officials, and if possible, locals, over there. Have to say it's a little more important than a weekend of eating good food and drinking too much up here with us.
I think they try their best, most of the time. The Balkan conflict was not a good example, however.
Click to expand...
God bless to your brother-in-law. I hope he is safe.
 
There is a national resettlement programme and each local authority is expected to take some refugees. My first hand experience in the North is generally they are located in housing that is hard to let and that is why places such as Liverpool, Middlesbrough and Glasgow have had more refuguees than other places. The support packages are extremely basic in terms of furniture etc. I would strongly suggest some basics often are really valued. Games, crayons, floor rugs etc. They are also get vouchers and not cash. Please bear in mind many of these people are well educated, had good jobs and their lives were often pretty good in Afghanistan. They just want to stay alive.
 
tangysider said:
A lot of the problems stem from the UN being self serving, racked with country disputes and toothless.
Genocide and persecution should not be tolerated in any nation and if the UN which should truly represent Global standards and force countries to tow the line. Sanctions imposed by one or two countries are circumvented.
China are one of worst current examples for supporting corrupt regimes to plunder natural resources
Click to expand...
Totally agree, the UN is a pointless organisation, looking after their own with immense salaries and issuing reports which achieves nothing.
 
RUSTY_2_STANDS said:
Some Afghan refugees have arrived in Manchester
My girlfriend and her daughter are going over there on Saturday with some clothes
They’ve arrived with just the clothes they’re wearing so are obviously in need. I’m going to have a search through my wardrobe tomorrow and send some stuff over
So if any of you guys have got some clean clothes you would normally be throwing out I’m sure they’d be appreciated
Click to expand...
Send them BFC shirts 😊
 
Matesrates said:
Totally agree, the UN is a pointless organisation, looking after their own with immense salaries and issuing reports which achieves nothing.
Click to expand...
No Mates, it's not true. They do lots of splendid work. They cannot be held account for the fact that the world's most powerful nations use the third world for a proxy war.
 
Can't believe this thread was started in a good cause for trying to collect unwanted clothing for Afghanistan refugees. But then descended into the right and wrongs in bringing them over to the country. When did humanity become so self indulgent and judgemental towards everyone?.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top