Embassy: Pinoys in UK deserve respect

The Philippine Embassy in London on Friday expressed concern over recent portrayals of Filipinos in UK news media, saying they do not accurately reflect the community’s character and contributions.

In a statement, the Embassy said it was “deeply disappointing” to see an elderly Filipina subjected to an ambush-style video interview in a clip circulating online concerning immigration in the UK.

It said the portrayal risks undermining the dignity of someone who has worked hard and contributed to British society.

The Embassy said no individual’s story should be sensationalized or used to fuel hostility toward immigrants.

Contributors to society

It noted that Filipinos have lived in the UK for decades and work in healthcare, education, hospitality, business and other sectors.

It described them as nurses, carers, professionals, parents, taxpayers and neighbors, and said their contributions, particularly in the National Health Service, “speak for themselves.”

The Embassy said Filipinos come to the UK legally and under varying circumstances, and that the vast majority work hard, follow the rules and support the country they now call home. It added that claiming public assistance one is legally entitled to should never automatically be grounds for shaming or vilification.

The Embassy said it believes isolated expressions of anti-immigrant sentiment do not represent British society as a whole. It said relations between Filipinos and the British are marked by mutual respect, understanding and cooperation, and that it remains confident in them and in the British public’s appreciation of Filipino contributions.

Public discourse on migration should remain “fair, respectful and informed” by the experiences and contributions of the communities that make up British society, according to the statement.