EDITOR’S COMMENT
A mark of a civil society is the extent to which is welcomes outsiders.
Equally, a decent society must not be too intolerant of concerns about migration, including potential pressure on resources, too often dismissively branded ‘ignorant’ or ‘racist’ by some leading Coventry politicians.
Yet Lord Mayor councillor Tony Skipper’s awards ceremony celebrating the contributions of 33 refugees and asylum seekers was a magnificent gesture.
Brimming with humanity, it highlighted individuals’ struggles to rebuild lives, and give something to their new city through voluntary work or public service.
While there was a sense of co-ordinated PR about the publicity, it rightly emphasised the city’s inclusiveness is one reason why Coventry should be UK City of Culture.
