Goleen's Kingston joins forces with Gareth Peirce on Brexit

GOLEEN native and maritime lawyer Michael Kingston has joined with human rights lawyer Gareth Peirce to make the case for Britain to remain in the EU.

Addressing the criticism that Europe calls the shots when it comes to the huge numbers of emigrants seeking asylum in member states, the duo claim Europe has had a positive effect on Britain’s immigrant issues. London-based Kingston has been one of the leading lights of the Irish in Britain campaigning to have the UK remain in Europe as the Brexit vote looms.

This week he penned an article with Gareth Peirce to further stress the importance of European laws and other supports, in handing the current emigration crisis in Europe.

The article appeared on The Irish World website in the UK. Peirce is the well-known human rights lawyer with a sterling track record – she has been involved in such high-profile campaigns as the Birmingham Six and Guildford Four fights for justice.

In the article, Ms Peirce makes the point that turning its back on Europe would mean the UK would have, in effect, no exterior watchdog, when it comes to matters of justice. ‘Can we seriously countenance the hard-won commitment to enforceable rights slipping back unchecked into the insular indifference that caused injustice after injustice?’ she asks, adding: ‘Britain’s obligations under international law to assist refugees fleeing war torn North Africa and elsewhere will continue regardless.’

Pointing out that Britain currently co-operates with other countries, to monitor refugees, they point out: ‘It is popularly believed that Britain leaving Europe will halt migration. In reality, the apparent problematic element of migration may actually increase.’

‘The reality is Britain’s fellow EU members have shielded it from the brunt of the humanitarian emergency that is the migrant crisis,’ they add.