MEMBERS of a leading Malvern campaign group have been left ‘saddened’ after they were forced to close down their own exhibition to promote Refugee Week at Malvern Library because of fears it could influence visitors’ EU Referendum vote.
The Malvern Welcomes Syrian Refugees Campaign group said it had agreed with library staff around two months ago to hold a public exhibition between Monday and Saturday this week promoting the national awareness campaign and the work the campaign group is doing to resettle a number of refugee families in the Malvern area later this year.
But the exhibition came to a halt yesterday morning (Tuesday) when staff from Worcestershire County Council’s Library Services ordered them to close the exhibition until after the referendum.
The county council told the Observer the closure order was made for ‘purdah’ reasons and it had became concerned that notice boards and conversations arising from the exhibition could influence political opinion with thousands of Malvern residents expected to vote in tomorrow’s (Thursday’s) EU referendum.
But the authority’s reasoning has not been met well with campaigners who said they felt the refugees issue had nothing to do with the vote itself.
Town and District Councillor Julian Roskams, who is also an active supporter of Malvern Welcomes Syrian Refugees Campaign, said: “It has shocked and saddened us as this exhibition is not a political event. We are keen to discuss and promote the understanding of refugees which we all have a duty to support
“It is very sad how this has been seen as a political event and we just can’t see how this is possibly connected to the EU referendum in anyway.
“Our duty of responsibility for refugees is not influenced by our membership of the European Union. Whether or not we remain or leave the EU, our refugee programme will continue.
“This was a great opportunity for people to come to us with any concerns or questions about refugees but sadly it has been disrupted. I think this is a short-sighted decision.”
Refugee Week is a nationwide programme of arts, cultural and educational events that celebrate the contribution of refugees to the UK, and encourages a better understanding between communities.
It first started in 1998 as a direct reaction to hostility in the media and society towards refugees and asylum seekers.
A spokesman from the county council said: “The county council cannot be seen to be in favour of one political side or the other and for purdah reasons have decided to close the exhibition until after the referendum.
“This is something we have discussed with our legal team and the exhibition displays will be put back up on Friday.”
Coun Roskams added it was the campaign’s intention to resume with the exhibition on Friday despite their disappointment.
