The actress criticises UK immigration policy while supporting a Ukrainian mother and daughter seeking safety.
Juliet Stevenson has shared that she is moved to tears every day by the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian refugees she has welcomed into her north London home, as she criticised the UK Government’s “harsh and cruel” immigration Bill.
Stevenson and her husband recently offered one of their adult child’s bedrooms to a Ukrainian mother and her six-year-old daughter, who arrived last week. The mother and daughter came to the UK on a tourist visa a few weeks ago and are now applying for visas under the Homes for Ukraine sponsorship scheme.
Expressing concern about the Nationality and Borders Bill currently debated in Parliament, Stevenson said, “It is a Bill that entirely lacks compassion or justice and fairness and is out of step with the British people’s feelings.” She added that the Bill risks criminalising the very process of seeking asylum, despite the overwhelming generosity of the British public in offering refuge to Ukrainian families.
The 65-year-old actress joined Together With Refugees, a coalition of 500 charities, in calling for reforms to the legislation. The group advocates for the resettlement of at least 10,000 refugees annually and the removal of a clause punishing refugees who arrive without going through official routes.
Stevenson also highlighted the delays and challenges of bureaucracy, saying: “It is so cruel to force people to endure all this while fleeing danger. Let people get to safety first, and then we can sort the paperwork.”
Her neighbours have been incredibly supportive, offering toys, assistance, and kindness to help the new arrivals settle in. Stevenson has been teaching the mother and daughter about local amenities, including the local doctor’s office, public transport, parks, and the library. The little girl, who is taking remote lessons from her Kyiv school, has also bonded with Stevenson’s family dog.
Despite their harrowing journey, Stevenson considers herself fortunate to have them as guests. She said, “They make me cry every day because they’re so courageous, and they’re lovely people. It could so easily be us in their position.”
Other prominent figures, including Olivia Colman, have spoken out against the Bill. Colman called on the public to contact their MPs, stating that proceeding with these policies would “bring such shame on the UK.”
Enver Solomon, CEO of the Refugee Council, added that the Bill “would harm thousands of people who come to this country desperately needing safety.” His statement reflects widespread public concern about the lack of compassion in the proposed legislation.
The debate continues, with pressure mounting on the UK Government to prioritise decency, fairness, and humanitarian response in the face of an ongoing refugee crisis.
