A coalition of UK charities has urged the nation’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham to forge new paths for refugees and asylum seekers in Britain.

In an open letter, more than 200 charities have called on Sir Keir Starmer’s successor to “reject the politics of division” and to “champion a narrative that reflects the very best of our country, because we believe we are stronger together.”

Care4Calais, Choose Love, City of Sanctuary UK, Freedom from Torture, NACCOM, Refugee Action, Refugee Council, Scottish Refugee Council and Women for Refugee Women are among its 219 signatories. 

The statement, organised by campaign coalition Together With Refugees, says: “As leaders of charities and organisations supporting refugees across the UK, we witness every day the extraordinary compassion shown by ordinary people”. 

“While recent scenes of far-right marches, intimidation and attempts to spread fear have dominated headlines, they do not reflect the reality we see in communities across the country.

 “For too long, public debate has been shaped by hostile politics, divisive rhetoric and policies that have dehumanised people seeking asylum. 

“Year after year, we have challenged measures rooted in performative cruelty and listened as refugees have been unfairly blamed for wider social and economic challenges. It is time to draw a clear line under this approach.

“Prime Minister, we ask you to reject the politics of division, and focus on what unites us, to build common ground, and to extend dignity, humanity and hope to those who have already endured so much.”

Director of external affairs for the UK Refugee Council Imran Hussain described the generosity of communities “refusing to let hate define them” as the “real story of Britain”.

Refugee Action chief Tim Naor Hilton said: “The country is ready for a different conversation – one that replaces the politics of hate with a vision of unity and hope.”

Stand up to Racism co-convener Sabby Dhalu said: “Andy Burnham must stop the toxic, racist pandering to the far right and address the cost-of-living crisis. We need the government to introduce safe routes for refugees, scrap the proposed changes to indefinite leave to remain, re-establish relations with the Muslim Council of Britain and work with Sikh communities to combat the spate of racist attacks on Sikhs.”

Mr Burnham has said he will prioritise cost of living relief among his first initiatives as Prime Minister.

Reports have suggested this could include approval of further oil and gas drilling in the North Sea and Labour’s deputy leader Lucy Powell told the BBC that scrapping digital ID will help it bring a “laser focus” to tackling the cost of living.

Homelessness charity Crisis chief Matt Downie said that Mr Burnham’s commitment to adopt a “housing first philosophy” and the biggest council house building program since the post-war period “could truly be a turning point in tackling homelessness”.

Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney called for an “end to the pandering to Nigel Farage, and a clear and immediate change of direction”.