FORMER left MP for the Cynon Valley Beth Winter has endorsed a Welsh trades council’s condemnation of Labour politicians demonising immigrants and asylum-seekers.

Posting on social media today, Ms Winter said the scapegoating of refugees by the UK Labour government, fed by the far-right rhetoric, was chilling and must be challenged.

The statements were made following television news clips released last week, which Home Office Minister Dame Angela Eagle claimed would send a message to people working illegally.

“The rhetoric from politicians this last week, in particular those in the Labour Party, are shameful, dangerous and divisive,” Ms Winter said, adding that she was a proud member of Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Trades Union Council and fully endorsed its statement.

The RCT Trades Council said it was deeply disappointed with the recent focus by some politicians on demonising immigrants and asylum-seekers, and boasting about deportation. 

“We believe this rhetoric is divisive and harmful, and it does not reflect the values of our community,” it said.

“We are also concerned about the wording used in these latest advertising campaigns.

“People fleeing their homes to escape war, famine and persecution are not illegal, as asylum is a legal right in Wales and the rest of the UK.

“Wales is a Nation of Sanctuary and has a proud tradition of offering safety and community to those fleeing persecution. 

“We reject the narrative being pushed by groups like Reform UK, which seeks to scapegoat immigrants for the problems facing our society.

“We urge our politicians to reject the politics of division and hate, and to focus instead on building a fairer and more inclusive society for all.”