Refugee crisis: please take our survey to let us know where you stand

[SarahMumsnet]

Good afternoon, everyone.

Many of you will have seen the thread started by Theremustbesomething suggesting that Mumsnet consider campaigning for the government to change its policy towards asylum seekers fleeing from war zones.

Justine posted this morning to say that "we think that the best way forward is to poll all users to gauge support for this. While it's clear from this thread that many feel extremely passionately about the need to do more, we've had a look at other threads on the subject, and there are a range of views. As a rule we don't campaign for political change unless we're clear that it's something that a substantial majority of Mumsnetters support, so we'd need to be sure of that before committing to an 'official' campaign."

We've now set up the poll; you can fill it in here. We'd be grateful if as many of you as possible could take it, to let us know your views. We'll make sure this thread is prominently displayed across the site.

Thanks very much,
MNHQ

I'm pleased to hear that Justine
I think the search and rescue operations in the Med are arguably the most critical aspect of the situation, where a MN campaign could perhaps make the most difference. And also surely be whole-heartedly supported by everyone (or close to that level of support)?

Apparently Britain already took 5K this year so then they may say - no more in 2015!

I think MN should campaign on both points still as Cameron hasn't announced a very full package if support and doesn't address the entire point we were surveyed on 'more ' not being specific - would you still not do more if he said he would take in 3 families?

A tiny country like Portugal with a worse economic crisis seems to be prepared to accept 4000.
5000 for the UK is pitiful.

Sorry but this survey was opened on Thursday and closed by Monday. I tend to be an AIBU reader and didn't even see this until another AIBU thread referred to it. It doesn't seem long to get a real feel for the MNer's viewpoints.

A bit pointless maybe

Could we hav a survey on the latest news that the UK has now adopted the US opolicy that we kill people without trial by drone when we are not at war with their nation and even if that will lead to worse outcomes for the nation?

It is an incredibly important point. The three objections are:-

1. It is illegal
2. Parliament specifically said no further action in Syria.
3. It is not even effective (just about everyone in the US now agrees drone strikes cause more damage than they cure).

I think that warrants a thread to itself, tbh Janet. I was shocked, to say the least, to hear that news.

Janet, stick a thread in 'in the news' and we'll come over (or would it go in refugee crisis? Technically not refugees, but its obv related?) :)

I think mn will only survey after lots of people show interest

You don't just get a survey for every topic of debate here - the reason they did the refugee survey even though they took no notice of the results was because of the overwhelming response to a thread on the refugee children thread, asking for MN to support campaigns/assistance for the refugees.

Janet, it's not clearly illegal, is it? The government are saying there is a legal basis for their action - and I'm pleased that that will now come under scrutiny.

They are not releasing the Attorney General's legal advice I believe but it would be good to read it.

It is a huge change ni English policy if we now kill people without trial when not at war. Just because Americans have electric chairs, G Bay, holding without trial, murders abroad without trial does not mean we need to adopt the same practices.

Do get a thread to discuss this topic that is not directly related to the refugee crisis.

I find it sad that MN have chosen to disregard the results of the survey. Presumably, the over 75% yeses are also very strong in support for the yes.

But maybe focus on humanitarian aspects of the crisis, rather than specific aspects such as the search and rescue missions or taking up more refugees?

A campaign to improve support by the UK and maintain awareness for those having to flee war zones might be better received.

Hello

Just to follow up on Justine's post last night: we're looking right now at the best way to move forward on the Mediterranean rescue aspect. Apologies that this is taking a little while - of course, the organisations involved in these campaigns are working flat-out at the moment and we want to make sure that we have full and useful information before we update you. We'll be back with a fuller update ASAP.

Thanks
MNHQ