‘Peckham is a sanctuary – my journey from unrest in Liberia to London’, writes MP Miatta Fahnbulleh

By Miatta Fahnbulleh

23rd May 2025

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Contents

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Miatta Fahnbulleh

I came to the UK when I was seven years old. My family left Liberia during a time of deep political unrest.

We fled for our lives because my father spoke out against a military regime that would drive the country into a brutal civil war.

First, we went to Sierra Leone – my mother’s home, thinking we might be safe there. But politics doesn’t always respect borders, and it became clear we couldn’t stay. From there, we made our way to Paris, and finally to the UK, because this is where we had family who could help us get on our feet.

We made London our new home. And like so many people who have made this journey, we came with a determination to sow roots and rebuild in a country that welcomed us with its compassion and generosity of spirit.

Peckham, with its vibrant West African community, was our home from home. It was where we came to buy food, find the right hair products, meet family and friends and be part of something bigger.

Over the years, what’s always struck me about Peckham is its sheer richness. People from all over the world have made their lives here, each bringing their own culture, language, food, and traditions. Each generation adds something new. Together, they’ve created a community full of life, energy, and pride.

The people who come here don’t just settle—they contribute. They take care of one another. They open shops, run market stalls, drive buses, clean offices, teach in schools, and keep the NHS going. They raise families, often facing enormous challenges, and give everything to help their children thrive.

That’s the story of Peckham. And it’s one I’m proud to be part of.

It’s why Southwark is a Borough of Sanctuary- a place committed to standing with refugees and asylum seekers, not just in words but in action. It offers safety, dignity and a sense of belonging to those who need it most. And it reflects something powerful about who we are: a borough that recognises the humanity in each story, and that understands migration not as a threat, but as a vital thread in the fabric of our community.

It’s easy, sometimes, to forget the human stories behind migration. But I think it matters that we talk about them. Because behind every journey is someone who took a risk. Someone who left behind what they knew and started again in a new place. And in doing so, helped shape the communities we live in today.

For many of us, migration isn’t a headline- it’s personal. It’s the story of how we got here. Of what we’ve built. And of what we’ve given back.

So, when I walk through Peckham now, as its MP, it’s not just political. It’s deeply personal. I see families working hard to give their kids a better future. I see elders who paved the way. I see a community that knows how to pull together and look after each other. I see pride in our diversity and the very best of multicultural Britain.

That’s something to celebrate—and something we must always protect.

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‘Peckham is a sanctuary – my journey from unrest in Liberia to London’, writes MP Miatta Fahnbulleh

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