At the Cheltenham Literature Festival, Dame Joanna Lumley delivered a powerful call for a compassionate and pragmatic approach to the global migration crisis. Highlighting the complex reasons behind people’s movement, she emphasized that migration is often driven by necessity rather than choice. “The reason they move is that either it cannot yield enough food for them to live on, or the warfare is such that they’re in danger of their lives, or they want a better life,” Lumley explained.
She urged policymakers and the public alike to recognize these harsh realities and to adopt more humane and effective strategies for addressing migration. Lumley’s speech underscored the importance of understanding the root causes, such as famine, conflict, and economic hardship, rather than focusing solely on border control and security measures.
Her passionate appeal called for global cooperation and empathy, reminding audiences that behind every migrant is a story of resilience and hope. By shifting the narrative, Lumley hopes to foster a more informed and supportive dialogue around migration worldwide.