File:Refugees Welcome, Oxford Circus, Westminster, England, March 2023.jpg

English: This photo was taken during the March Against Racism in central London on Saturday on 18 March. Many activists were furious at the new anti-immigration legislation which is clearly in breach of international law.

Although there are no legal routes available to refugees from many Asian and African countries suffering from conflict and murderous repressive regimes, the Home Secretary, Suella Braverman, is overseeing legislation which will criminalize refugees risking their lives at sea to reach relative safety. They will now have their asylum claims denied as inadmissible.

As marchers reached Downing Street, Braverman was thousands of miles away in Rwanda, reaffirming the UK's commitment to illegally expelling refugees to the impoverished country, which itself has a poor human rights record.

I asked ChatGPT to write 10 reasons why welcoming refugees is beneficial to society. Although I share many people's concerns about what the impact of this technology might be, I was fairly impressed by its reply -

1. Boosts economy: Refugees have the potential to contribute to the economy by starting businesses, creating jobs, and adding to the workforce. 2. Increases cultural diversity: Refugees come from different cultural backgrounds and can enrich society's cultural diversity by sharing their traditions, customs, and experiences. 3. Fosters empathy and understanding: Welcoming refugees can help increase empathy and understanding among people from different backgrounds, leading to harmony and greater social cohesion. 4. Strengthens our humanitarian values: Taking in refugees is a reflection of our commitment to human rights and humanitarian obligations, and it demonstrates solidarity with those who are suffering and seeking safety. 5. Tackles brain drain in developing countries: Some refugees may have high levels of education and skills that are needed in their home countries. By providing opportunities for them to work and contribute in host countries, they can then return and help rebuild their communities. 6. Reduces conflict: By providing a safe haven for refugees, host communities can play a role in reducing the levels of conflict and instability that can lead to forced displacement. 7. Brings new perspectives and ideas: Refugees can bring fresh perspectives, ideas, and expertise that can help drive innovation and progress in various fields. 8. Strengthens global solidarity: By welcoming refugees, host countries demonstrate a commitment to global solidarity and cooperation, which can help build bridges across borders. 9. Helps to maximize their potential: Providing support and resources to refugees can help maximize their potential and enable them to contribute to their host communities in meaningful ways. 10. Enhances international relationships: Building positive relationships with refugees and their home countries can lead to new opportunities for cultural exchange, trade, and diplomacy, which can facilitate greater cooperation between nations.

Apologies if some of the photographs in this series are clearly overexposed, which is due to my own stupidity and negligence as I forgot to reset the white balance after some indoor photography.