By Bridget Taylor
We are witnessing the biggest influx of refugees in Europe since the Second World War. In 2015 alone more than a million people fled from war-torn countries around the world desperately trying to reach a better life.
The journey is made incredibly arduous – and some do not survive. In one month in 2015, over 1,200 people drowned in the Mediterranean. For those that do survive, the welcome is not a warm one.
There are currently around 6,000 people, including hundreds of unaccompanied children, living in desperate conditions in ‘the jungle’ – the Calais camp only an hour from London. These refugees are making nightly attempts to enter the UK in order to claim asylum but are often brutally deterred by French police.
Neither the French nor the UK governments are claiming responsibility for these human beings who have suffered war, deprivation and trauma and are now living without any comfort or stability. In April, the government voted against an amendment to the immigration bill that would have allowed 3,000 unaccompanied child refugees into the UK.
On the 18th of June there is going to be a national rally in London protesting the government’s actions and demonstrating solidarity with refugees. An aid convoy will then set off to Calais to deliver money, clothing and other essential donations. Trade unionists, anti-racism campaigners and students and lecturers at Manchester Metropolitan University and the University of Manchester are organising an Education bloc to take part in the convoy and also contribute to a future summer school in the camp.
There are a number of ways you can support the Convoy to Calais, please find more information below:
By Adam Taylor It’s time to post your top artists to show how cool and different you are. Spotify Wrapped for 2025 has finally dropped. This stat-loaded list of listening habits gets everyone excited, revealing top artists, songs, podcasts, music genres, and hours listened – which can be a bit concerning… Spotify adds new features…
Featured image: Suzy Hazelwood aAh! Magazine’s Literature and Creative Student Editors are delighted to announce our first online call for submissions for the 2025/26 academic year. This series invites creative writing students and visual artists to respond to the theme ‘Hometown’, offering the opportunity to showcase their work online. Manchester is a hometown for thousands, and simply…
Featured image and photography: Beck McNally Gary ‘Mani’ Mounfield – a name that many Mancunian music-lovers will know well, died on 20 November this year. No official cause of death has been released to the public. The renowned bassist of The Stone Roses, and later Primal Scream, was a hugely influential musician – particularly in…
Featured image: Manchester City CouncilBy Adam Taylor and Amy Corringham Winter is approaching, but don’t let the cold and dark days stop you getting out and about – aAh! has gathered a selection of events for all budgets for you and your friends to enjoy. Get into the festival spirit with a variety of activities…
Leave a reply