English Heritage has been criticised for a "crazy" initiative which grants refugees free entry into their historic sites across the UK, with the charity being urged to "put pensioners and those of financial hardship" first.
The scheme, which was launched in 2022, enables individuals who have been granted "refugee status" or "leave to remain in the UK as a displaced person" free entry to all of the English Heritage sites.
However, recent social media backlash towards the scheme has forced the organisation to defend the move, making clear that they have a "range of initiatives" which support Britons in need, including "food bank users and children on school trips".
Standing firm against the furious critics, English Heritage said: "Refugees have arrived here with very little and we feel that this is the right thing to do."
Dr Kiszely hit out at the English Heritage scheme and urged them to 'put pensioners first'
English Heritage, GB News
Reacting to the uproar, Dr Philip Kiszely of the New Culture Forum argued that although it does allow refugees to "integrate and learn about British culture", it also can advertise "the problems of British culture and how bad we were in terms of the British Empire".
Dr Kiszely explained: "I think it's a crazy idea. It was implemented in July 2022, so it's been under the radar for quite a long time, but it's just blown up recently.
"The devil's advocate position is this is great for people because they will be able to integrate and they will be able to appreciate English heritage, culture and history."
Highlighting the key "problem" with the move, Kiszely argued: "I think the problem that most people will have if they know anything about English heritage is that English heritage is about deconstructing British heritage - it's about decolonisation, it's committed to a decolonising agenda.
Sites such as the Byland Abbey are free for refugees to enter as part of the scheme
X / EnglishHeritage
"It's almost as if they're saying, look, come here, get all of this free stuff, then go to our heritage sites and learn how terrible they are, learn how terrible we are, and that's what we will do for you. I think it's a crazy initiative, and I think it's very worrying."
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In disagreement with Kiszely, host Tom Harwood argued that refugees who visit the sites "won't read the little signs" placed around the monuments, but instead will "take in the majesty of English heritage".
Tom said: "I've been to Stonehenge, I haven't seen any signs saying how bad Britain has been in the past. Frankly, if you've just turned up as a refugee, are you going to spend your time reading the little signs that they put next to the things?
"Or are you just going to embrace the majesty of some of our sites of English heritage?"
Kiszely took on Tom's point, responding: "I think it's a fair enough point, but the truth is, it's about the impetus of this and why it's happening, it's happening in a context that is fundamentally hostile to Britain and our heritage centres and our heritage industry is actually fundamental to what it's supposed to be. It's an anathema in that respect."
Dr Philip Kiszely said the initiative could be 'devil's advocate' for showing refugees the 'bad side' of historic British culture
GB News
In criticism of the scheme, Kiszely then called for the benefits to be extended to other communities facing hardship in Britain, such as pensioners and veterans.
Kiszely told GB News: "What about pensioners, they have to pay a concession price at the moment. Maybe they could keep warm in some of our great country houses. Or what about veterans, for example? They have to pay to get in - why can't they go in for free?
"I'm sure some people are here who are very needy and desperate, but maybe they need to think about other things before they're going to Dover Castle.
"So let's not think about those people. Let's actually think about pensioners and veterans and people like that. Let's give them a free crack of the whip before we think about other people who arrived here yesterday."
