Frances O’Grady’s message to the Solidarity with Refugees protest

“The British people, like people across Europe and especially in Germany, have responded far better than their political leaders to the plight of refugees fleeing war, persecution, sexual violence and destitution.

“We call on the government to take an adequate number of refugees not just from the Middle East but Europe too and play a full part in the common European approach needed to tackle this urgent humanitarian crisis.

“We need to treat refugees as we would want to be treated ourselves, because we are all humans, with the same needs and fears, the same fundamental human rights to dignity and respect.

“But in changing to adapt to the current refugee crisis, Europe needs also to turn away from austerity and the politics of divide and rule which stir up darker emotions and real tensions.

“Refugees and asylum seekers must be given the right to work and treated with dignity and respect.

“Employers must not be allowed to use them to undercut other workers.

“Governments must stop scapegoating refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

“No good will ever come of pitting refugees or migrants generally against the people already in work or in the community.

“We are the richest generation in history in the richest region of the world, but whilst the refugees arriving on our borders have so little, we have poverty even here that needs to be addressed as well.

“The trade union movement has a proud history of standing up for justice, decency and solidarity, and we and trade unionists across Europe say 'refugees are welcome.'