What happened on 25th March 2023

The saddest news of Saturday, 25th March, could be a list of the strike action set to take place in April 2023.

It, nevertheless, rather inspiring. For such social activity shows Britons' resilient spirit. Junior doctors, DVSA driving examiners, members of the Public and Commercial Services union, Security guards at Heathrow Airport, passport office staff, British Museum and Library workers are to stand up for their rights in April

We also have known that London City Hall staff will no longer have TikTok on their devices in the latest ban imposed on the Chinese-owned social media app over security concerns. The only question is Why it wasn't banned up till now?

 Another this Saturday issue was asylum seekers. On the one hand, Ukrainian ambassador has urged more people in the UK to host refugees fleeing Russia’s invasion, on the one-year anniversary of the Homes for Ukraine scheme. On the other one, asylum seekers say they are bored, the food is bad and it is 'like living in jail' in three and four-star hotels where taxpayers are footing their bill - as number of hotels filled with migrants nears 400 across Britain.

 

The second news is about all asylum seekers. Yet, the problem of Ukrainian refugees is a touchy subject. In December, the government announced £150m in funding for councils to support Ukrainians into their own homes, and increased “thank you” payments for sponsors to £500 per month. The £10,500 per refugee received by councils in 2022 was largely reduced, however, to £5,900 in 2023. But attitudes on Reddit and Twitter are mostly that 'refuge is about safety, not luxury.'

 

Another voice of reason is: "Well we can't house them for free forever, it just isn't economically feasible. I don't understand why we can't grant them work visas, so they'll make money and afford to pay rant somewhere. It's clear the war isn't going to end any time soon, so we (as a country) might as well make them like economic migrants. Seems reasonable. Edit: I've been informed that Ukrainian refugees could work immediately after arriving. So now I'm confused, why are we spending money in the long term to house them? Temporary I understand."

 

There is a number of stories about too picky Ukrainian refugees. They don't like provided accommodations, food, their kids have to study at English schools, their four dogs have to live in one flat with a cat... Those complaints are endless.

All of us have to stay human in any circumstances. We cannot deny shelter to fugitives from the war-stricken countries. But those human responsibilities must be mutual.