We're better than that

The response by some people to the arrival of young refugees from the so-called '˜Jungle' in Calais has been nothing short of sickening and upsetting.

Conservative MP David Davies, a man who clearly needs a few basic lessons in dentistry, should, in particular, be ashamed of his dehumanising anti-refugee rhetoric.

I am pleased to see the British Dental Association move so quickly to condemn his vile remarks.

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It’s also a relief to see the Home Office reject his suggestion out of hand.

These refugees are young, vulnerable, victims of war who have been forced to wait far too long in chaotic, degrading and inhumane conditions by a British Government that has deliberately dragged its feet.

Most importantly, however, these children are human beings.

We venture down a very dark path when we forget that simple fact.

We’re better than that – we’re Great Britain.

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We must continue to reject the populist anti-refugee, anti-immigration and xenophobic rhetoric being whipped up by a resurgent hard right wing of the Conservative party, aided by a frothing right-wing media talented in the art of misinformation and faux-outrage.

The UK is an open and tolerant country; despite reports to the contrary, we have not lost our compassion.

David Davies does not speak for Great Britain.

He is a mouthpiece for a vocal minority for whom the EU referendum result has legitimated racism and xenophobia.

The vast majority of Britons are empathetic and welcoming people who reject the narrow and cold-hearted world view espoused by the likes of David Davies.

Keith Taylor,

Green Party MEP