Carlisle's Refugee Action Group (CRAG) is urging communities to stand united against rising tensions around asylum seekers.

Recognising the growing tensions around people being housed in hotels across Carlisle, Cumbria and the wider UK, CRAG and other local groups have emphasised the importance of solidarity 'in the face of division and hatred'.

The statement comes on the back of the 'Save Our Streets' protest outside of Carlisle's Hilltop Hotel earlier this year, as well as homes in Carlisle also being targeted by a leafleting campaign by Patriotic Alternative, a far-right group. 

In a statement released by CRAG (September 15), they said:  "Today we are asking our communities to unite and support each other in the face of division and hatred.

"We believe our communities should be safe places for all people and those who need help should be given it.

"We are asking you and your neighbours to stand together in solidarity against hatred, to demonstrate the best of our city.

"A city that has a long and proud history of helping those in need, of supporting each other and being a place of safety.

"There are of course legitimate concerns which we share about levels of homelessness, poor support for veterans, lack of social housing, crime and anti-social behaviour, safety for women and children and the cost of living crisis.

"These are concerns that should be voiced and we ask you to channel those feelings/voice your anger to those with the power to change things rather than allowing those with the least to become the scapegoats.

"We condemn expressions of hatred and scaremongering and scapegoating -whether on social media, leaflets, or on marches and protests.

"History has shown us where this can lead, and it has no place in the UK today," they said.