A Reform UK council tried to shut them down, but they fought back. The Laziz Project, a refugee support group in St Helens, faced a funding cut from the new right-wing council leaders. However, they and their growing band of supporters refused to let that stop them.
Security at the Church
It is not often you are met by a security guard when entering a church, but that is the case at St Helens Minster during a regular refugee community lunch event. The man is a volunteer, not a paid bouncer, but he looks capable. He has been stationed outside due to recent tensions in the town regarding immigration and refugees. He reports a few troublemakers but nothing he could not handle.
The Laziz Project
The event is a community lunch organized by The Laziz Project, formerly Cafe Laziz. This project supports refugees and asylum seekers in St Helens by providing a place to connect, learn English, and interact with locals, largely through food.
Earlier this month, after storming to victory in May's local elections, the new Reform leadership in St Helens announced they would withdraw all support for planned Refugee Week events in June. One affected organization was The Laziz Project, which had been contracted to host a major food festival at the minster on June 13. They were told to return any funds received. Council leader George Woodward stated, "In light of the illegal immigration emergency facing Britain, we don't think this is an appropriate use of council resources."
Emma Bamber, one of the project's leaders, initially said her "heart was broken." But after seeking legal advice, she informed the council of a binding contract and confirmed the food festival would proceed.
Community Response
Speaking about the events, Emma said: "I knew there would be some stuff happening after Reform took power. We are not their ideal organization. But the reality was so fast. It was a shock to pull something that brings so much joy. It seems petty." She received an email saying funding was pulled and that the council wanted all spent money back. "We were paid in advance because it is a big event. The chefs prep and buy things, we decorate. To pull it with no consultation was a shock. But lawyers told me they can't have it back because we have a legally binding contract. So we are still doing the event. It will be bigger and better than ever."
Emma and friend Claire Nicholls took over The Laziz Project in 2023 from founder Debra Hill, who stepped back due to ill health. The recent events sparked an outpouring of support, with donations and people showing up.
At the community lunch, the largest yet, all food ran out within an hour, requiring emergency provisions. Inside the minster, a mix of refugees and locals created a wholesome atmosphere. Many attendees came after reading about the council's funding withdrawal.
Ben Shepherd, 46, said: "I read the article on the ECHO. I was not surprised, given we have unfortunately elected a Reform council. But coming down today was a way to support something good. It is nice to see local people being welcoming."
Another supporter, Jan, said: "I've been twice and loved the food. It is brilliant. It is not just good for refugees but for people like me who don't socialise much and get lonely. I made the effort to come because I know it is full of lovely people. We are all in it together, whether immigrant, refugee, or born here. Bunching everyone together and creating an enemy is not right. Ignorance is rife."
The lunch is staffed by refugees who prepare and serve food. Omar, a refugee from Kurdistan who has been in the UK for seven years, explained: "Everyone has a reason for coming. It is not easy. For six months people are isolated, can't study, work, or learn English. It is lonely. Nigel Farage and Reform give wrong information. They don't have a plan. Here, I try to help people. I speak four languages. This community makes us feel safe and joyful."
For Emma Bamber, the vibrant lunch vindicates her decision to push ahead with the food festival despite council attempts to cancel it. "These events are for everybody. For people in St Helens unhappy with what's happening, this is a great way to show solidarity. We have had an unbelievable amount of supportive messages and donations."
