UK MPs urged to acknowledge Irish Catholic contribution to British life

MPs in the UK have been urged to acknowledge the “tremendous” Irish Catholic contribution to British life, as immigration debates descend to a “game of fear”. “The Irish Catholic contribution, both to the Catholic Church in England and Wales and to wider British life and community, has been tremendous,” Bishop Paul McAleenan told MPs.

The Belfast-born Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster wrote to MPs ahead of a debate in Westminster on the motion, ‘That this House has consideredSt Patrick’s Day and the contribution of the Irish diaspora to the UK’.  Churches and communities throughout England and Wales have benefited from the contributions of Irish clergy, religious and laity since the large-scale immigration of the 19th Century, Bishop McAleenan added.

“The Irish witness in our wider society has been similarly significant,” said Dr McAleenan, pointing to the example of Irish nurses and teachers, as well as cultural artefacts like song and spirit.

As debate around immigration “often descends into a zero-sum game of fear, suspicion and prejudice” in Britain, the Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster said St Patrick’s Day celebrations are “a good opportunity to celebrate the remarkable contribution of the Irish diaspora to British life and society”.

The Irish migrants are “an example not least of the achievements of immigration and integration”, Dr McAleenan finished.