British Actors Plead for Response to Refugee Crisis

The ongoing refugee crisis has sparked a contentious debate within Europe about each country’s responsibility in the face of this extensive problem.

Among those who have expressed their feelings about the situation and their government’s response are two leading British actors.

Benedict Cumberbatch, who has played Sherlock Holmes and Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, delivered a speech following the conclusion of his play “Hamlet” at the Barbican Theatre in which he speaks on the refugee crisis, as seen through video that has been circulating on the internet.

It is being reported that the actor has delivered the speech following several of his Hamlet performances over the past few weeks. During his speech he also reads Somali poet Warsan Shire’s poem entitled “Home”. The actor informs his audience about an international charity called Save the Children and asks them to donate.

Cumberbatch further shares the story of one of his friends who was on the Greek island of Lesvos, where thousands of migrants and refugees have been arriving on a daily basis since this past summer.

“Everywhere on the horizon there was nothing but boats and on the shoreline nothing but life jackets,” he said about what his friend told him.

In previous remarks, Cumberbatch had opined that the British government is not doing enough and called for a long-term solution.

Daniel Craig, the British actor known for his role as James Bond’s in the franchise’s latest films, spoke to the AFP and urged for a response to the crisis.

“There is a human tragedy going on. It is up to European governments to step forward and get this sorted,” he is quoted as saying.