welcome, patron GAVIN!

Photo by Danny Burrows

Celebrated journalist, author and broadcaster Gavin Esler has joined Kent Refugee Action Network (KRAN) as patron. 

Mr Esler, best known as the long-time anchor of the BBC’s Newsnight, will use his platforms and influence to raise awareness of the challenges faced by young refugees and asylum seekers and advocate for their rights. 

He will work closely with the charity to strengthen community ties and facilitate partnerships to create more opportunities for those seeking refuge. Mr Esler says: “As a journalist, I tell stories - but I’m also interested in how people tell their own stories and KRAN is very good at this.

“Seeing a small boat coming to the UK and the suffering its passengers will have endured has installed a passion in me to support those in need in order to make their lives better. I look forward to working with KRAN to help make this happen.”

Chief Executive Officer Dr Razia Shariff says: “We are honoured that Gavin has agreed to be our patron and strongly believe he will offer the opportunity to widen our circles of influence to promote the challenge our young people face.

“His involvement will help amplify KRAN's voice and engage a broader audience - we are excited to be working with him.”

As well as Newsnight, Mr Esler was the BBC’s chief correspondent in North America for eight years. He has also worked on Dateline London and other BBC programmes. He is the author of five novels and four works of non-fiction, including the recently-published Britain is Better Than This. He has won a Royal Television Society Award and a Sony Gold.

Mr Esler is a BAFTA member and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. He is an alumni of the University of Kent, and was awarded an honorary MA in 1995 and an Honorary Doctor of Civil Law in 2005. He is currently UKC Chancellor.

Mr Esler joins Lord Dubs and Lord Mereworth as KRAN patrons.