Primary School Migration Lessons Spark Controversy After Sunderland Cuts Charity Funding

A charity's classroom resources that encourage primary pupils to highlight the positive aspects of migration have prompted a local funding row after Sunderland City Council withdrew three decades of support.

Show Racism the Red Card (SRTRC), which describes itself as the UK's leading anti-racism charity, provides lesson plans for children as young as seven that ask pupils to reframe negative headlines about migration and list benefits such as filling job vacancies, addressing skills shortages, supporting social care and contributing tax revenue to help the pension system.

What The Lessons Say

The migration module describes itself as "an opportunity to explore what is positive and good about migration." Exercises ask pupils to take alarmist or negative headlines — for example, "How many more migrants can we take?" — and rewrite them with a positive slant, such as "Migrant workers bring fresh hope to the British economy."

Nigel Farage backs Reform-led Sunderland city council's decision to end its 30-year support for the charity - PA/Ben Birchall

One lesson notes that women and children make up around 80% of refugees worldwide; another stresses that asylum seekers face restrictions on working and that support levels can be low. The materials also cover other topics including Black History Month, activism, Windrush, Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities, anti-Semitism, and tackling racism in online gaming.

Criticism And Political Response

Sunderland City Council, led by Reform UK, ended its 30-year backing for SRTRC after council leader Christopher Eynon said the authority would not continue to support "politically charged organisations with an agenda." Reform figures defended the decision, arguing some third-sector materials carry political viewpoints.

Labour figures criticised the cut: Bridget Phillipson described the move as "misguided, cruel and in no way backed by the people of Sunderland." Other commentators and politicians have argued the lessons lack balance because they emphasise benefits without setting out potential downsides, such as pressure on local services, potential effects on wages in some sectors, or community tensions when arrivals are rapid.

Hundreds of migrants have continued attempting Channel crossings in small boats in recent weeks - NurPhoto/Nicolas Economou

Government Guidance And Wider Context

A Department for Education spokesman said it is "absolutely right that pupils receive a balanced presentation of opposing views on political topics," noting published guidance that requires schools to promote fundamental British values including democracy, the rule of law and mutual respect. The spokesman said presenting opposing views on political matters is a legal requirement for schools.

The Home Office has said significant numbers of people crossing the Channel in small boats are economic migrants and has stepped up enforcement against illegal working, with increases in raids and arrests. The article also records that the Home Secretary has warned that aspects of the benefits and asylum support system may be drawing irregular migration and outlined planned changes to immigration and settlement rules.

Missing Context And Questions Raised

Critics point out that while the lessons state global refugee demographics (women and children making up a large share worldwide), they do not explicitly address the demographic profile of recent Channel crossings, which national authorities say are largely adult men. The teaching materials challenge the idea that migrants primarily come for benefits, noting asylum claims and work restrictions, but do not discuss the public cost of asylum accommodation or other fiscal implications.

SRTRC has been contacted for comment.

Note: This article summarises the controversy around SRTRC's educational materials and local funding decisions while reporting official responses and broader policy context.