Election principles: Living safely and securely

Ahead of the general election on 4 July, Captain John Clifton continues a series of reflections about The Salvation Army’s four key principles for political candidates.

For those fleeing danger, finding a safe and welcoming community can be a matter of life and death. In early 2016, I was part of a small team presenting to The Salvation Army’s Cabinet – the senior decision-making body in the UK and Ireland Territory. It was just months after the heart-wrenching image of two-year-old Alan Kurdi, washed up on a Turkish shore, had stirred global outrage. This tragic story galvanised the Salvationist community into action.

The goal of the presentation was to secure broader strategic support. The pivotal moment came when a team member recounted his harrowing experience of capsizing in the Mediterranean, holding a baby who, like Alan Kurdi, did not survive. In that moment, the reality that The Salvation Army comprises individuals who have experienced trafficking and sought asylum became profoundly clear.

Founded in the East End of London, The Salvation Army’s roots trace back to aiding vulnerable people. If not for refugees like the Huguenots – who formed the early Christian community alongside whom William Booth first preached – The Salvation Army would not exist.

Today, we provide a range of immediate relief and long-term support co-ordinated by Refugee Response Manager Ben Still. Initiatives like the Community Sponsorship programme have fostered environments where refugees and survivors can integrate and live with dignity. In response to trafficking and modern slavery, notable successes include establishing a network of safe houses aiding thousands of victims of human trafficking.

Despite this, refugees, asylum seekers and victims of modern slavery still face significant challenges. With record highs in displaced individuals, millions seek safety from conflict, persecution and human trafficking. In the UK, asylum seekers often endure long waits for claim processing, leading to isolation and poverty. According to the latest Home Office statistics, over 48,000 people were awaiting an initial decision on their asylum claim as of 2023. Victims of modern slavery, often hidden in plain sight, suffer severe trauma and lack support for recovery. Community-led support is vital for creating welcoming environments, with local initiatives playing a crucial role in helping people rebuild their lives.

To ensure safety and security for all, during this general election season, we advocate for several key policy changes. First, we support the Lift the Ban campaign, which calls for allowing asylum seekers the right to work after six months of waiting for their claim. Second, we endorse the recommendations from the Commission on the Integration of Refugees, focusing on improving access to education, healthcare and housing. Third, we urge the restoration of rights for survivors of modern slavery, ensuring they receive proper legal protection and support services. Local communities can advocate for these changes by engaging with prospective parliamentary candidates to create a more inclusive and supportive society.

As Christians, we are called to support those seeking sanctuary and provide safety and security for all. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us to ‘not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it’ (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition). A crucial way we can do that is by advocating for policies that reflect our conviction that living safely and securely is a fundamental right. Vote in the general election and keep these policies in mind as you cast your vote. But it doesn’t stop there – sign up as a social justice champion with The Salvation Army’s Public Affairs Unit to carry this campaign forward once the dust of the election has settled!