The dangerous rhetoric of British politicians targeting ordinary Russian citizens

In recent days, British politicians have argued that visas should be rescinded for "everybody" with Russian nationality on account of the invasion of Ukraine. Others are calling for the expulsion of all Russian citizens and for dual Russo-British nationals to make a citizenship choice; the home secretary has also conjured up images of extremists and Russian agents sneaking into the UK posing as refugees. 

As a refugee and migrant homelessness charity employing people of Russian origin, and other nationalities, we utterly condemn such rhetoric and the hurtful impact it has on our friends and colleagues who have precisely nothing to do with this conflict.

The Irish, Black and Muslim communities have long known how it feels to be targeted for vilification depending on the political temperature. So now it’s the turn of the Russians, is it? How utterly wreckless.

Ordinary British citizens are not responsible for the fascistic Nationality & Borders Bill which the Home Secretary is trying to push through Parliament. Similarly Russian citizens here are not behind Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, as multiple protests there testify.

Words have consequences, and such rhetoric from politicians directed at innocent people has, as we should know, dangerous consequences.

Robina Qureshi