Councillors in Westminster have restated their commitment to supporting people fleeing crisis and conflict in their homeland.
At a full council meeting held today (28 June), the city council has voted to become a ‘council of sanctuary’ and to maintain a welcoming, safe environment for refugees and asylum seekers who arrive in Westminster.
Becoming a council of sanctuary commits the local authority to continue going above and beyond when welcoming refugees to Westminster - making sure new asylum seekers have access to council services, school places, GPs, translation, and other assistance.
The council has signed up to the scheme which was originally set up by the charity City of Sanctuary UK who ‘work with individuals, groups and organisations in every area and in every sector to encourage inclusivity, solidarity and compassion for people from a forced displacement background.’
The council will now develop a strategy of support for refugees, which will be independently assessed by the charity as part of an application to be recognised as a ‘Council of Sanctuary’.
Cllr Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said:
Following a vote at full council, Westminster is now seeking to become a Council of Sanctuary, joining many others in London and across the UK.
In practice this means we commit to redoubling our efforts to be a friendly and welcoming city to migrants and refugees - both through the work we do as a council, and by supporting organisations working with those communities.
Westminster has a long and proud record of welcoming immigrants, and their contribution over the centuries is a key part of our story. People come here from many parts of the world in often desperate circumstances. I want them to know Westminster stands ready to help where we can and will stand with them in efforts to ensure that the system becomes more efficient but deals with them fairly. For me, that welcoming spirit is an important part of our vision of a fairer Westminster.
Niloufar, a refugee who fled Iran attended full council to watch the vote. They said:
Back in Iran I was an athlete and part of the national mid-distance running team. Due to problems with the political situation, we had to run away to leave the country. When we arrived here [in Westminster] it was winter, and we didn’t know what was going to happen to us. After some time, we found Westminster really good with friendly people, organisations and charities which have been helping us.
Westminster has provided many wonderful opportunities for all asylum seekers, not only me. It's really good to know that councillors are thinking about us. I know they are busy and it's nice they are noticing us as part of society. I have found that Westminster is my new home.
Notes to editors:
- ‘Council of Sanctuary’ is an award run by City of Sanctuary UK) an umbrella organisation whose members work towards creating a culture of welcome and hospitality for people seeking safety. CSUK’s vision is that ‘the UK will be a welcoming place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.’
- By passing this motion the council is agreeing to work towards a City of Sanctuary Local Authority Award with the aim of becoming a recognised Council of Sanctuary.
- The criteria to become a Council of Sanctuary can be found on the City of Sanctuary UK website - https://cdn.cityofsanctuary.org/uploads/sites/166/2020/12/Council-of-Sanctuary-Award-Minimum-Criteria.FINAL_-1.pdf
Published: 28 June 2023