Motion to ditch city's 'sanctuary' status defeated

A Reform UK motion to withdraw Bradford from its City of Sanctuary status has been defeated by one vote.

The accreditation was awarded in 2021 in recognition of Bradford's commitment to welcoming and supporting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

The Reform motion argued City of Sanctuary was "a political movement" though acknowledged pulling out of the scheme would not have any impact on how many refugees and asylum seekers the city took in.

Opposition councillors called a withdrawal "divisive", adding it would make "no difference" to the council's finances or the services it provides. The motion was defeated by 38 votes to 37.

City of Sanctuary is a national charity that awards sanctuary status to authorities which commit to creating safe, inclusive and welcoming environments for refugees, asylum seekers and migrants.

Being part of the programme involves the authority guiding refugees and people seeking sanctuary to services, including English classes, and hosting events for refugees.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, it costs the council £700 every three years.

The motion to withdraw was proposed by councillor Ian Walker, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities.

He told a full council meeting on Wednesday: "In May we were democratically elected to serve the people of our wards. City of Sanctuary has a political agenda. That is why we are having this debate today.

"The people of Wyke deserve to have their say, through me, as to whether they want to be affiliated with a political movement.

"City of Sanctuary is a political statement. To say we should be a place that is welcome to all sends a shiver down my spine.

"Putting Bradford people first is something we should all promote."

Reform council leader Stephen Place added Bradford could "continue being a welcoming city without being signed up to this programme".

Councillor Imran Khan, leader of the Labour group, described the motion as "nothing more than divisive".

"It won't make any practical difference. It will make no difference to this council's finances or the services it provides," he said.

Green councillor Anna Watson added it would "send a message" to every refugee that they were not wanted.

"That is not a message this council wants to send," she said.

The Conservatives proposed an amendment to the motion - that a report on the issue be drawn up and scrutinised by a council committee before any vote be taken.

However, the amendment was defeated.

Councillors then voted for the Reform motion, which saw all Reform members vote in favour, a mixed vote from Conservatives, and all the other parties vote against the motion.

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