Paul Embery embraces refugees getting free access to British heritage sites: 'Let's help those making the effort!'
Paul Embery said we should support those trying to learn more about British heritage
Wikipedia Commons/ GB News
Trade Unionist, Paul Embery, has embraced the initiative which grants refugees free entry into their historic sites across the UK, arguing that we should be encouraging those who are willing to make the effort to integrate.
The scheme, which was launched in 2022, enables individuals who have been granted "refugee status" or "leave to remain in the UK as a displaced person" free entry to all of the English Heritage sites.
Speaking on X, Embery said: "Seeing some criticism of this initiative, but I strongly support it.
"If a refugee wants to learn more about English heritage, all power to him (or her). God knows we've been rubbish at integrating newcomers in the past, so let's help those who are willing to make the effort."
Seeing some criticism of this initiative, but I strongly support it. If a refugee wants to learn more about English heritage, all power to him (or her). God knows we've been rubbish at integrating newcomers in the past, so let's help those who are willing to make the effort. pic.twitter.com/ssLjZg3nBd
— Paul Embery (@PaulEmbery) September 11, 2024
The move was initially met with criticism on social media with the charity being urged to "put pensioners and those of financial hardship" first.
But, Embery defended his statement on X stating again: "If a refugee actively decides to visit English heritage sites, it would suggest he is keen to integrate.
English Heritage, which supports Britons in need, including "food bank users and children on school trips," were also forced to defend the move, making clear that they have a "range of initiatives".
Standing firm on their stance, English Heritage said: "Refugees have arrived here with very little and we feel that this is the right thing to do."
Reacting to the move on GB News, Dr Philip Kiszely of the New Culture Forum argued that although it does allow refugees to "integrate and learn about British culture", it also can advertise "the problems of British culture and how bad we were in terms of the British Empire".
Dr Kiszely explained: "I think it's a crazy idea. It was implemented in July 2022, so it's been under the radar for quite a long time, but it's just blown up recently.
"The devil's advocate position is this is great for people because they will be able to integrate and they will be able to appreciate English heritage, culture and history."
Highlighting the key "problem" with the move, Kiszely argued: "I think the problem that most people will have if they know anything about English heritage is that English heritage is about deconstructing British heritage - it's about decolonisation, it's committed to a decolonising agenda.
"It's almost as if they're saying, look, come here, get all of this free stuff, then go to our heritage sites and learn how terrible they are, learn how terrible we are, and that's what we will do for you. I think it's a crazy initiative, and I think it's very worrying."
Sites such as the Byland Abbey are free for refugees to enter as part of the schemeX / EnglishHeritageLATEST FROM MEMBERSHIP:
Kiszely then called for the benefit to be extended to others groups in the UK who are facing hardship such as pensioners and veterans.
Kiszely told GB News: "What about pensioners, they have to pay a concession price at the moment. Maybe they could keep warm in some of our great country houses. Or what about veterans, for example? They have to pay to get in - why can't they go in for free?
"I'm sure some people are here who are very needy and desperate, but maybe they need to think about other things before they're going to Dover Castle.
"So let's not think about those people. Let's actually think about pensioners and veterans and people like that. Let's give them a free crack of the whip before we think about other people who arrived here yesterday."