"Be subject to one another"

Published: 10 September 2026

"In Deal, indeed across the world, the ripples of events on our shores this weekend continue to be keenly felt.

"A protest in Dover, held to draw focus on an issue that consumes some with such ire that they would join together to shut down a port to ensure their message was heard.

"Their fear at what ‘strangers’, what ‘others’ could do.

"Their frustration and fear took shape. Black-clad, strong in number and silent in intent.

"For us in our corner of Kent, it is no longer an abstract issue. It is here and it is now.

"Our friends and neighbours are the frontline staff who work and serve in Dover, who volunteer to save souls at sea and who are being singled out and intimidated. Filmed, threatened and frightened.

"I read online comments from people that I have never heard spoken out loud.

"This is not the Deal that we serve.

"Life is hard for many and we are doing all we can to help those struggling but much more needs to be done. We will continue to push for that.

"But as Mayor, I can tell you, when people speak of our town, our community, that spirit of welcome in Deal is something to be proud of.

"And that is not nothing.

"Can we as a town show how listening and understanding and welcome leads to a stronger community? To see where we are more alike than not?

"To be subject to one another?

"I very much hope so."

Mayor of Deal, Cllr Mike Eddy.
Deal Town Council’s motto "Adjuvate Advenas" is today translated as "Welcome the Stranger" and is a Town Council of Sanctuary.