Riots

Hi readers, it’s Kerry, Emily and William here today, talking about the recent riots in England.

Although there has been other news to distract us since, we want to share our thoughts on them. We found it all very upsetting, especially as some of them happened so close to us, here in Weymouth.

What we find most hard to believe is how lots of people can be so anti-immigration. It’s also scary that the riots only started after a rumour (that the person who stabbed those little girls was a Muslim asylum seeker), which turned out to be untrue. Even if it was true, we wish all those angry people rioting would stop for a moment and think about these brave people, many of whom risk their lives, by taking dangerous journeys to come to Britain. Many of them will have had terrible experiences, which is why they are fleeing their countries as they are not safe there. Do the rioters not care at all?

Of course, we get that there is a problem of fitting everyone into Britain who wants to live here. We are a small country, and already don’t have enough houses or support for people.

We know the number of homeless people is increasing, as are foodbanks. With so many people struggling to make ends meet, we think it’s important everyone, not just politicians, continues to keep thinking about smarter ways to make sure everyone has enough food, shelter and essentials. That includes how we welcome people wanting to live and work safely in Britain.

It's unkind and violent people who don’t belong. What, if any of us had to flee Britain. How would we want another country to treat us? We think it all starts with kindness and respect.

The writers of the Our View column are supported in their editing by People First Dorset - a charity led and run by people with learning disabilities with support from staff