Singer Charlotte Church has joined dozens of high-profile women in condemning attempts by some politicians to connect asylum seekers with sexual violence across Britain.
The Welsh musician signed an open letter alongside fellow artists Paloma Faith and Anoushka Shankar, plus multiple MPs from Labour, Green and independent parties.
The document, called Women Against the Far Right, states: “We reject the far right’s racist lies about ‘protecting’ women and girls. They are not defenders of women – they exploit violence against women to fuel hate and division.”
The initiative emerged following increased demonstrations at refugee accommodation sites and efforts by far-right groups to capitalise on specific allegations of sexual offences involving asylum seekers.
Stand up to Racism coordinated the letter, which attracted signatures from politicians including Diane Abbott, Zarah Sultana, Kim Johnson and Ellie Chowns.
The letter directly challenges Reform UK leader Nigel Farage and shadow justice secretary Robert Jenrick, who have attempted to connect immigration policies with increased sexual offences.
Mr Jenrick recently claimed that asylum seekers with “medieval attitudes” entering the UK made him fearful for his three daughters’ safety, whilst participating in demonstrations at refugee housing in Epping, Essex.
The signatories argue: “Violence against women and girls is a serious and urgent issue. But it will never be solved by the likes of Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick targeting refugees, Muslims and migrants.”
They emphasise that no evidence exists showing refugees commit sexual violence at higher rates than others.
The letter notes many asylum seekers have themselves experienced violence, conflict and persecution.
According to the signatories, scapegoating refugees diverts attention from addressing fundamental causes of abuse and ensuring accountability for perpetrators.
The signatories plan to support a counter-demonstration this month against a major rally being organised by far-right activist Tommy Robinson in London.
Labour MPs Nadia Whittome, Bell Ribeiro-Addy and Mary Kelly Foy have added their names, alongside Labour peer Shami Chakrabarti and union leaders from the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union, Public and Commercial Services Union and Transport Salaried Staffs’ Association.
National Education Union president Sarah Kilpatrick, broadcaster Annie Macmanus and Abortion Rights UK also endorsed the letter.
The document criticises groups for using false information to organise demonstrations at hotels accommodating refugees, including vulnerable women and children.
The protests have featured so-called pink demonstrations with women and girls prominently displayed.
The letter references findings that two-fifths of individuals detained during previous year’s far-right disturbances had domestic abuse reports filed against them with police.
“The truth is that sexual violence is endemic across society and far too often ignored by those in power,” the signatories state.
They highlight how support services for women, children and survivors have faced severe funding cuts, leaving numerous cases without proper justice.
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Several demonstrations have occurred following incidents like the Epping case involving Ethiopian national Hadush Kebatu, who faces accusations of sexually assaulting a 14-year-old girl.
Kebatu maintains his innocence, with proceedings postponed until September 4.
Statistics cited by politicians appear questionable, including Mr Jenrick’s assertion that foreign nationals committed 40 per cent of London’s sexual crimes last year, which seems based on confused data.