Afghan who came to UK on small boat says he ‘never felt more welcome’ despite riots

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. open image in gallery Sam travelled through Iran, Turkey, Italy and France before reaching the UK He has since become an advocate for the education of other asylum seekers, earning him an invite to undertake an internship at the Tony Blair Institute and meet with the former prime minister, as well as recognition on The Big Issue’s 100 Changemakers of 2024 List. “Once I got to university, everything was opened up for me – it was amazing how it all happened in less than a year.” Of the recent riots in the UK, where hotels housing asylum seekers were targeted, Sam said he initially did not wish to go out but added his feelings changed once he saw others coming out in support of refugees through counter demonstrations and anti-fascist protests. open image in gallery Sam said it ‘feels like a dream’ to be in the UK “I felt as though I’m not accepted here in the UK but seeing people going out to protect the hotels, for me, that was amazing to see. open image in gallery Sam during his time in Dunkirk, France “The people smugglers would beat everyone with a stick and at that time, I had lost a lot of weight because I didn’t have any food – I had to beg for food.” Sam said he eventually managed to cross the English Channel in a small boat before being processed and sent to a hotel for asylum seekers in the West Midlands.