Douglas Councillor accuses gov't of racism over refugee decision

Devon Watson labels previous decision to reject Syrian refugees as 'awful'

A Douglas Councillor is accusing the government of 'pure racism' following the last administration's decision not to allow Syrian refugees to live here. 

Devon Watson has taken to Twitter to label that decision as 'awful' - whilst praising the response of allowing Ukrainian nationals to seek shelter here.

The Tweet has been liked by serving MHK, and leader of the Manx Labour Party, Joney Faragher.

Mr Watson has declined to comment further.

Manx Radio has contacted government for a response.

The support the island has shown to Ukrainian refugees is great. We love to see it. I hope they are made welcome here.

Fairly horrifying that it proves that the anti-syrian refugee hysteria was just pure racism from both the government and chunks of the population. Awful.

— Devon Watson (@drwatsonsa) April 8, 2022