Stand Up To Racism Portsmouth hold vigil for asylum seeker who tragically drowned crossing Channel

The group hope the vigil, which was held this evening (August 25), will also highlight the plight of thousands of refugees who make the treacherous crossing in the hope of seeking asylum and escaping what can often be civil war and political persecution in their homelands.

Mark Sage, who helped organise the vigil, said: ‘This tragic and needless loss of life has once again highlighted the results of the UK and Europe's militarised borders, which do everything they can to stop refugees from seeking asylum in a country of their choosing.’

The group decided it was important to raise their concerns in light of the Home Office earlier this month asking the Royal Navy to deploy ships to prevent migrants crossing the Channel in what are often overcrowded makeshift boats.

Mark added: ‘Instead of trying to save vulnerable men, women and children, the UK government has ordered the Navy to help block people crossing and push them back to France. We don't need gunboats, we need lifeboats.

‘The people trying to reach the UK are not a threat to us. They just want to live in safety and freedom.’

SEE ALSO: University of Portsmouth leads the way in pioneering exoskeleton design for stroke patients

Portsmouth resident, Linda Spence, was moved to attend the vigil and lay a wreath in remembrance of Abdulfatah.

Linda commented: ‘It makes me sad and angry what has happened to this young man.

‘I feel very strongly about this - we've seen how important refugees are to the country with what they've done for the NHS recently, for example. It makes us a better country to take in refugees.

‘We used to be good at taking them in but we are not very welcoming now.’

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

Thank you for reading this story. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on our advertisers and thus our revenues.

The News is more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism. You can subscribe here for unlimited access to Portsmouth news and information online.

Every subscription helps us continue providing trusted, local journalism and campaign on your behalf for our city.