Across the UK, many migrant communities are feeling increasingly unsettled. Recent hostile rhetoric, public threats, and political narratives have created fear, uncertainty, and a sense of being targeted. For some, this is not abstract — it affects daily life, safety, wellbeing, and the confidence to participate fully in society.
This meeting is a space to pause, come together, and speak openly about what this moment means for migrant communities.
Centrala warmly invites migrant leaders, community members, organisations, and allies to join an open conversation with Nazek Ramadan,Director of Migrant Voice, Marsela Hoxha and Cllr Clifton Welch.
The purpose of this gathering is to:
- Address growing concerns about anti-migrant rhetoric and public hostility
- Share how intimidation and harmful narratives are affecting communities
- Understand what changes may be coming and who could be impacted
- Ensure migrant voices are heard directly by decision-makers
- Strengthen solidarity, clarity, and collective response
Alongside these concerns, we will also reflect on the broader pressures facing migrant communities, including economic challenges, insecure work, and access to services — recognising how these issues often intersect with public discourse and policy decisions.
This will be a safe, respectful, and constructive space to:
- Share lived experiences
- Raise concerns and questions
- Challenge misinformation and harmful narratives
- Build understanding between communities and local government
Too often migrants are spoken about, rather than listened to. When rhetoric escalates, silence can deepen fear and isolation. This conversation is about visibility, representation, and accountability. It is about ensuring migrants feel not only heard, but safe and valued.
If you or your community have been feeling concerned about the current climate, your voice matters now more than ever.
We need migrant voices in the room. Please share this invitation widely.
About Our Speakers
Nazek Ramadan
Nazek Ramadan is the Director and founder of Migrant Voice, a migrant-led organisation dedicated to amplifying migrants’ stories and perspectives in media and public life. After arriving in the UK as a refugee from Lebanon, Nazek established initiatives to challenge harmful narratives and ensure migrants speak for themselves. For over 25 years, she has worked to empower migrants to engage confidently in public debate and advocate for their rights.
Marsela Hoxha
Marsela Hoxha is a Commissioning Manager at Birmingham City Council, specialising in migration, resettlement and community support services. She has worked on key local government initiatives including the Homes for Ukraine programme and refugee/migration support projects, representing the council at events and in strategic planning for resettlement and homelessness prevention. Before her role at BCC, she was connected with humanitarian and refugee support work, reflecting long-term professional commitment to supporting newcomers and displaced people in the UK.
Cllr Clifton Welch
Cllr Clifton Welch is a Birmingham City Councillor representing the Kingstanding ward. He serves on committees including Economy, Skills and Culture; Licensing and Public Protection; and Planning. As a local elected representative, he works directly with residents and communities on local issues and governance.