Welsh Lib Dems leader tells harrowing story of refugee’s desperate bid for better life whilst calling for more support for asylum seekers

Recently in the Senedd, the leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds MS called on the Welsh Government to offer a safe haven for those fleeing violence and persecution.

During her speech, Jane Dodds told the story of Rayan, a refugee who travelled across multiple countries and across the channel for a better life in Wales.

According to data from the Refugee Council:

·       Over 27,000 people crossed the channel in 2022, and two thirds of these people would likely be approved for asylum if granted access to fair procedures.

·       8,700 children crossed the Channel, making up nearly 20% of all arrivals.

·       45,000 at risk of being destitute each year, alongside facing long detention periods.

According to data from the British Red Cross:

·       A further 50,000 refugees could be made homeless by the end of this year.

Jane Dodds MS has also criticised the UK Conservative government for their overly harsh and inhumane approach towards immigration, citing the Rwanda bill as an example of the Tories moral failings regarding this issue.

Commenting, leader of the Welsh Liberal Democrats Jane Dodds said:

“The harrowing tale Rayan, a refugee who risked his life in search of asylum, epitomises the struggles faced by many who undertake the same perilous journey to our shores.

On his journey Rayan faced imprisonment, racial abuse, life-threatening conditions, and constant instability. But after braving the traitorous Channel cross in a dangerously overcrowded boat, he finally reached the safety of Wales.

Rayan is now studying in college and hopes one day to become a maths teacher.

Fortunately, Rayan’s story has been given a happy ending, but for so many others like him this is not often the case.

Despite the difficulties faced by those making these crossings, the UK Conservative government seems determined to respond with a cruel indifference. Whilst at the same time allotting millions to impractical and cruel policies like the Rwanda bill.

We here in Wales must be different. We must show compassion and kindness, not cruelty and indifference.”