MORE THAN 40 people gathered in Petersfield Square to oppose what they call anti- refugee legislation and to show support for asylum seekers fleeing persecution, repression, torture and even death.

Under the 1951 Refugee Convention - of which the UK is a signatory - asylum seekers and refugees can travel to safety in other countries.

And once there, their claims are processed and a decision made on them remaining or not.

But now, what is viewed by some as a knee-jerk appeasement to the Brexit slogan ’we want our borders back,’ a new Nationality and Borders Bill is being scrutinised in parliament - and if MPs approve, critics say it will bypass the Refugee Convention and criminalise most asylum seekers coming here.

It will insist they have visas to enter the UK - and if they don’t, their entry will be viewed as a criminal offence, believe its opponents.

Supporters of the Petersfield-based Rural Refugee Network (RRN) organised a ’vigil’ last Wednesday aimed at sending the message to East Hampshire MP Damian Hinds, the minister of state for security and borders, that refugees are welcome here.

A vigil spokeswoman said: "Refugees seek protection from conflict and war. They flee terror and have lost family, home, and all means of livelihood.

"Our gathering was to defend the rights of those with no voice.

"We wait with anticipation and hope that a kinder and more compassionate approach to refugees can happen.

"Today, many families remain trapped in Afghanistan, unable to flee the new regime. Translators and contractors for the UK there are especially vulnerable.

"One of the Afghan women’s volleyball team was beheaded only recently, and stories continue to filter through of the brutal realities refugees flee from."

RRN is part of Together with Refugees, a coalition of 300 organisations calling for a compassionate approach to refugees. Positive messages and contributions include speeches, music, artwork and a newspaper called Metbo by the One Strong Voice team that presents positive articles about refugees.