Around 50 angry and vocal residents packed into Carlisle’s Civic Centre on Tuesday to raise concerns over a proposed sanctuary policy.
It was during the meeting of Cumberland Council’s executive committee where senior councillors were set to endorse and adopt the sanctuary statement.
As well as a police presence of four officers and those who were against the move there were some who supported the adoption which would support people who seek sanctuary in the Cumberland Council area.
During the debate tensions rose with outbursts from the public gallery of ‘shame on you’ and ‘you are all traitors’ – one particularly vocal individual was asked to leave by police during the meeting.
Most were concerned that creating a council of sanctuary status related to asylum seekers and migrants but councillor Lisa Hinton (Currock, Labour), the adult social care portfolio holder, stressed that it was anyone who needed support including those who were in abusive relationships or were homeless.
Speaking after the meeting she said: “This was passed at full council. It was a motion that was brought to full council. And the reason that we’re here today is we have to act upon that.
“But if anybody’s read our council plan they will know that this absolutely isn’t virtue signalling. We have health and wellbeing at the heart of everything where we do. It’s a strapline that we use and that we absolutely believe. And this just this underlines that to say that what’s important to us that people that people are healthy and well.”
She said she understood people’s anger and concerns over immigrants and asylum seekers in Cumbria but added: “I would hope that that the message could get across that actually our numbers are really low and it’s not within the council’s gift to increase that at all.”
She added: “I would absolutely implore people to read the sanctuary statement. We’re not spending any additional money, we’re not signing up to anything, that we don’t already do.
“And we want to be welcoming and kind, if somebody doesn’t feel safe. If somebody is genuinely feeling, fear, for whatever reason, then we want to be a safe, we want to be kind, that’s all this is about. It’s about us getting everything together and saying that as a council, we are kind.”
During the debate objectors complained that they were not given the opportunity to speak during the time allowed for public participation but they were informed by Claire Liddle, the council’s chief legal officer and monitoring officer, that questions needed to be submitted in advance.
When it was put to the vote members agreed and the sanctuary statement was adopted.
A number of residents at the meeting were from Cumbria Action and spokesman Chris Allen said the group stood for the principle of British people and interests first.
He said there were concerns about the numbers of refugees and migrants, which placed an ‘unnecessary strain’ on already failing infrastructure, housing and public services.
He added: “How dare the virtue signalling civil service officials and councillors suggest this disgraceful sanctuary plan.
“Voting in favour of it despite the state of things spiralling out of control nationally and the same issues growing ever locally.”
He claimed the group represented 5,300 local members who absolutely opposed the decision and added: “If Cumbria’s councils have spare money for vanity projects and to hand out for charity then we demand a reduction in our taxes or immediate investment to inspire some growth locally.”
Mr Allen said he was disappointed that they were not given the opportunity to speak during the meeting and added: “During the meeting to approve this matter, as debate was seemingly off the table, we were roundly ignored and insulted with non-answers and untruths attempting to placate us and repel our questions.
“It is simply not going to fly any longer. If the councillors and officials refuse to speak for the people then Cumbria Action will.
“If you want this area to be a sanctuary, open your own homes and own wallets and do not burden the already struggling local taxpayers.
“Take full monetary responsibility for someone on a private basis, including medically. Charity should be a personal choice and when people cannot pay the exorbitant bills and taxes as they are, they shouldn’t be expected to foot the bill for others.
“Rather than concern themselves with the plight of the world, councillors should have a vested interest in the people that voted for them, otherwise the people will vote for someone who will, should we be allowed the chance to. Our activism shall continue.”
A Cumbria police spokeswoman said: “The Carlisle Neighbourhood Policing Team were asked to attend the meeting as part of their engagement activity.
“A man was asked to leave the meeting by the committee and officers assisted so he left the meeting peacefully. No offences were committed.”
