Mary marks Refugee Week 2011

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh marked this year's Refugee Week by attending a roundtable discussion with Refugee and Asylum Seekers Advocacy (RASA) in Wakefield on Friday 24 June.

The advocacy group, who offer specialist advice to some of the most vulnerable communities in Wakefield, invited Mary to discuss how the voluntary sector can continue to deliver high quality services in the face of severe cuts to their budgets by central government.

Mary told the meeting that "Wakefield has a strong tradition of welcoming and supporting refugees and asylum seekers. Each year I am delighted to see the many cultural events happening in the district to celebrate Refugee Week. RASA is at the forefront of putting our communities’ care for the most vulnerable into practice. Many people who have fled their home countries and found themselves in need of support in Wakefield have turned to you."

She added "I share the concerns of the voluntary sector, trade unions, politicians and the public, that cuts to refugee and asylum advice services which are too far and too fast, will leave the most vulnerable without any help."

Mary met with RASA staff members, volunteers, and people who have benefited from the advocacy and advice service in the district.