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Jean Lambert London's Green MEP

Letter to the Polish Ambassador condemning violence towards the Polish community in the UK

15 September 2016

Jean wrote to His Excellency Ambassador Rzegocki to express her regret and shame out the outbreaks of violence and hate-speech we have seen recently against the Polish community in the UK. Jean condemns unreservedly the rise in violence and hostility towards Polish and other communities which has been witnessed since the EU referendum vote and she offers her full support.

Read the full letter below.

Your Excellency

Re: Violence towards the Polish community in the UK

I am writing to express my regret and shame at the outbreaks of violence and hate-speech we have seen recently against the Polish community in the UK. I condemn unreservedly the rise in violence and hostility towards Polish and other communities we have witnessed since the EU referendum vote and offer you my full support.

London and the UK as a whole is richer – economically, socially and culturally – thanks to the people from other nations who make their home here. The Polish community has a long and proud history of contributing to and benefiting this country.

In my time as Green Party MEP for London, I have worked with communities from all over Europe and beyond and always supported and promoted the interconnectedness and vibrancy other nations bring to London. I have, in the past worked with EU nationals in London, including representatives of the Polish community and organised events to help ensure those here know their rights.

Since the extremely disappointing EU Referendum vote I have repeatedly called on the Government to do more to condemn intolerance and to reassure people that their rights will be protected. People’s lives must not be used as political bargaining chips. The Government needs to send a clear message that people will continue to be welcome and their rights will be unchanged.

I am currently organising a seminar to look at the future of freedom of movement in the UK and how EU nationals currently in the UK and those looking to come in the future may be impacted. I will ensure your office receives an invitation to this event which will take place towards the end of November.

In the meantime I wish to assure you of my ongoing support to secure the rights of EU nationals in any post-referendum negotiations and join you in condemning any violence towards the Polish and other communities.

Yours sincerely,

Jean Lambert
Green MEP for London