Dua Lipa, the renowned pop star and Brit Award winner, has expressed her concerns over the way government ministers discuss migrants, referring to their language as “short sighted and small minded.” Lipa, who was born in London to Kosovar-Albanian parents, called for greater empathy and expressed her disappointment with the government’s portrayal of Albanian people. Home Secretary Suella Braverman has made comments referring to “Albanian criminals” crossing the English Channel and likening small boat crossings to an “invasion.”
In an interview, Lipa shared her personal reaction to such rhetoric, stating, “Of course it hurt.” She emphasized the multicultural nature of London and how it is an essential aspect of the city’s identity. Lipa believes that labeling and generalizing about immigrants, such as Albanians, demonstrates a narrow-minded perspective shared by many. She expressed her belief that the idea that “immigrants are coming into the country and taking jobs” will persist, even though many immigrants have contributed to London by working hard.
Albanian Prime Minister Edi Rama strongly criticized Suella Braverman’s comments, describing them as “very, very disgraceful.” During a meeting with Chancellor Rishi Sunak, Prime Minister Rama praised Lipa as an example of the positive contributions made by Albanian people in Britain. He highlighted her success as a British singer and emphasized the important roles that Albanian immigrants play in construction, nursing, cooking, and the arts.
Dua Lipa’s comments shed light on the need for empathy and a more nuanced understanding of immigration. As a prominent figure, she uses her platform to advocate for greater understanding and recognition of the contributions made by immigrant communities in the UK.
