A bid to throw out a Cumbrian council’s aim to become a place of sanctuary has failed.
A packed public gallery – around 150 people – attended the meeting of Cumberland Council where Conservative councillor Gareth Ellis, seconded by Mike Johnson, proposed the motion for the authority not to sign up to the scheme.
Many people could not get into the room to hear the meeting.
Council of Sanctuary status is awarded to councils who take the right steps to support people seeking sanctuary – including refugees, asylum seekers, immigrants, those fleeing domestic or other abuse, and those moving here from elsewhere in the UK.
The council will apply for City of Sanctuary accreditation – a national movement recognising local authorities that actively foster welcoming and compassionate communities.
It means the council has systems in place to welcome and protect people, and to make sure they get the help they need.
Introducing the motion at the meeting, Coun Ellis said the place of sanctuary would be Cumberland-wide and he added: “We haven’t signed it and we aren’t in it yet.”
The motion said: “The City of Sanctuary model is not a neutral badge; it expects councils to endorse a charter, work with local City of Sanctuary groups for endorsement, publish a multi-year strategy, publicise achievements, lobby government for national policy change, and support streams of Sanctuary initiatives such as Schools of Sanctuary – which amounts to proselytising in primary and secondary schools under a council-backed banner.
“Cumberland should not be turned into a platform for national lobbying and welcome branding when local services must come first.”
It asked for the council to rescind its commitment to the sanctuary status.
However, when his motion was put to a recorded vote, 34 members were against it with 10 in favour and the motion failed.
During a debate, Councillor Mike Mitchelson (Brampton, Conservative) suggested that the process should be slowed down before signing up and they should work with the community and listen to their views. Coun Ellis added: “The people of Cumberland need to have an impact on this.”
Councillor Bob Kelly (Millom, Labour) said everyone should all support those in need and former Tory Prime Ministers such as Harold Macmillan and Ted Heath would not support the motion.
He added: “We’ve got to support everybody in our communities.”
Councillor Roger Dobson (Corby and Hayton, Lib Dems) said he opposed the motion because there was a misunderstanding of what the place of sanctuary actually did and it would signal that the council was ‘stepping back from compassion’.
Councillor Helen Davison (Belah, Green Party) said she had been asked by residents to oppose the motion because it was divisive and could lead to more racial abuse.
Councillor Trevor Allison (Dalston and Burgh, Conservative) said he was not comfortable with the motion as it was and suggested the matter could be deferred and included in an election manifesto.
Councillor Joseph Ghayouba (Bransty, Labour) spoke of an Iraqi family who became refugees three times.
He added: “First, our invasion destabilised their lives; then they fled to Syria, only for conflict there to force them on again to Lebanon; finally, after years of uncertainty, they resettled here through a lawful programme.”
Councillor John Mallinson (Houghton and Irthington, Conservative) said he had received a large number of emails on the issue and the debate had become quite toxic. He added: “We need immigration but we do need it to be better managed.”
Councillor Michael Eldon (Cleator Moor West, Labour) said Cleator Moor had welcomed people for centuries, including Irish, Polish, Italian, Ukrainian, Indian, Pakistani, and many others and added: “I will not support anything that divides our communities or fuels hatred.”
After the meeting Adrienne Gill, of Cumberland Sanctuary Network, said: “We are very pleased that this divisive motion has been defeated and would like to thank all the councillors who spoke out against the motion and all those who voted on the side of humanity and common sense.”
Chris Allen, of Cumbria Action, said: “Cumbria Action will continue to fight for the rights and interests of local people from across this county, particularly as it seems elected officials are unwilling or unable to do what their remit demands and listen to all of the public and not just those agreeing with them. Our activism will continue.”
