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Andrew Smith MP for Oxford East asked to Condemn Racism

Paul | 24.08.2003 12:40 | Anti-racism | Oxford

Andrew Smith is the MP for East Oxford and a cabinet minister. I have just sent him the letter below asking him to condemn the racism that is being expressed about asylum seekers in relation to the new asylum centre in Bicester.

Irrespective of the arguement for and against asylum centres and the appropriateness of having one near Bicester the racism being expressed is disturbing.The National Front is exploiting peoples fears and spreading hatred.

Andrew Smith looked after his career and supported the war but condemning racism does not have the same potential political problems so hopefully he will stand up against racism. He is MP for East Oxford which is multi racial and multicultural. If he does not condemn racism what will that say to his constituents?

At 7.30pm Friday 29th August he is talking to Amnesty at the Pauling Centre for Human Sciences, 58 Banbury Rd which is an opportunity to ask him about his reaction to racism as well as his support of the war.

24.8.03

Dear Mr Andrew Smith,

The new asylum centre in Bicester has caused a lot of racism and the BNP are trying to gain support on the back of peoples fears and are spreading hatred. With respect I request you make clear emphatic statements in the local press and radio condemning racism. I believe this will have a positive impact.

Yours sincerely,

Paul Greening
Oxford

Paul