‘Wokingham Borough is a place renowned for being welcoming and friendly and for the strength of its communities. It is a place where every resident and place matters, and this should be a part of its vision and mission.
We recognise the potential contribution of asylum seekers and refugees to our Borough, and believe that a comprehensive, co-ordinated and forward-looking approach that promotes community cohesion is the best way to ensure the welfare of people moving into the Borough.
This Council:
a. Agrees to make Wokingham Borough a recognised ‘Borough of Sanctuary’, welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries, no matter their country of origin or how they arrived in our Borough;
b. Becomes a supporter of City of Sanctuary UK by signing their organisational pledge and making a voluntary donation of the suggested amount for an organisation of our size of £250;
c. Will amend its vision and mission to recognise that status;
d. Recognises the positive contribution asylum seekers and refugees make to the social, cultural and community life of Wokingham Borough.
e. Is committed to taking practical steps to welcome and include refugees and asylum seekers in our activities and will actively seek ways of supporting them, looking for opportunities to do so both within our existing and future budgets and through seeking additional income such as grants;
f. Will support our communities and voluntary, community and faith groups in assisting asylum seekers and refugees wherever possible.’
Statement from Chief Finance Officer:
There are no direct financial implications in supporting this motion other than the nominal sum associated with the donation.
Minutes:
Council considered the following Motion, submitted by Councillor Caroline Smith and seconded by Councillor Rachel Bishop-Firth.
We recognise the potential contribution of asylum seekers and refugees to our Borough, and believe that a comprehensive, co-ordinated and forward-looking approach that promotes community cohesion is the best way to ensure the welfare of people moving into the Borough.
This Council:
a. Agrees to make Wokingham Borough a recognised ‘Borough of Sanctuary’, welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries, no matter their country of origin or how they arrived in our Borough;
b. Becomes a supporter of City of Sanctuary UK by signing their organisational pledge and making a voluntary donation of the suggested amount for an organisation of our size of £250;
c. Will amend its vision and mission to recognise that status;
d. Recognises the positive contribution asylum seekers and refugees make to the social, cultural and community life of Wokingham Borough;
e. Is committed to taking practical steps to welcome and include refugees and asylum seekers in our activities and will actively seek ways of supporting them, looking for opportunities to do so both within our existing and future budgets and through seeking additional income such as grants;
f. Will support our communities and voluntary, community and faith groups in assisting asylum seekers and refugees wherever possible.”
Councillor Smith stated that residents of the UK were fortunate to enjoy many freedoms, freedoms which were underpinned by the Human Rights Act. The Motion aimed to reinforce the Vision of Wokingham Borough as a welcoming place for those wishing to settle here, including displaced people from Ukraine, Afghanistan and Hong Kong. Many local authorities had recognised the value of declaring Borough/City of Sanctuary status – declaring a welcoming place of safety for all.
It was proposed by Councillor Andy Croy and seconded by Councillor Marie Louise Weighill, that the Motion be amended as follows:
“Wokingham Borough is a place renowned for being
welcoming and friendly and for the strength of its communities. It
is a place where every resident and place matters, and this
should be a part of our its vision and
mission.
We recognise the potential contribution of asylum seekers and refugees to our Borough, and believe that a comprehensive, co-ordinated and forward-looking approach that promotes community cohesion is the best way to ensure the welfare of people moving into the Borough.
We note and regret the suffering of refugees in the Home Office sanctioned accommodation in our Borough. Their treatment is incompatible with ourvalues and values common to humanity.
This Council:
a.
AgreesAspires to make Wokingham Borough a recognised
‘Borough of Sanctuary’, welcoming those fleeing
violence and persecution in their own countries, no matter their
country of origin or how they arrived in our
Borough;
b.
Once all refugees in the Borough are
treated fairly, will becomeBecomes
a supporter of City of Sanctuary UK by signing their organisational
pledge and making a voluntary donation of the suggested amount for
an organisation of our size of £250;
c.
Will amend its vision and
mission to recognise its
aspiration and futurethat status;
d. Recognises the positive contribution asylum seekers and refugees make to the social, cultural and community life of Wokingham Borough;
e. Is committed to taking practical steps to welcome and include refugees and asylum seekers in our activities and will actively seek ways of supporting them, looking for opportunities to do so both within our existing and future budgets and through seeking additional income such as grants;
f. Will support our communities and voluntary, community and faith groups in assisting asylum seekers and refugees wherever possible.
Councillor Croy stated that he supported the broad sentiment behind the Motion. However, it was clear that a significant proportion of asylum seekers and refugees in the Borough, those in Home Office sanctioned accommodation, were not made to feel safe and welcome. The amendment aimed to ensure that the voice of those people was heard.
Councillor Caroline Smith confirmed that the proposed amendment was not acceptable.
Councillor Stephen Conway stated that, having visited the Home Office sanctioned hotel, he was aware that the treatment of the people in that facility was appalling. This issue had been raised with the Home Office and would continue to be raised. However, whilst recognising the points in the amendment, its impact would be to delay the adoption of Borough of Sanctuary indefinitely. This would dilute the positive steps set out in the Motion.
Upon being put to the vote, the Mayor announced that the amendment was not approved.
Council then voted on the original Motion. Upon being put to the vote, it was:
RESOLVED that:
“Wokingham Borough is a place renowned for being welcoming and friendly and for the strength of its communities. It is a place where every resident and place matters, and this should be a part of its vision and mission.
We recognise the potential contribution of asylum seekers and refugees to our Borough, and believe that a comprehensive, co-ordinated and forward-looking approach that promotes community cohesion is the best way to ensure the welfare of people moving into the Borough.
This Council:
a. Agrees to make Wokingham Borough a recognised ‘Borough of Sanctuary’, welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries, no matter their country of origin or how they arrived in our Borough;
b. Becomes a supporter of City of Sanctuary UK by signing their organisational pledge and making a voluntary donation of the suggested amount for an organisation of our size of £250;
c. Will amend its vision and mission to recognise that status;
d. Recognises the positive contribution asylum seekers and refugees make to the social, cultural and community life of Wokingham Borough;
e. Is committed to taking practical steps to welcome and include refugees and asylum seekers in our activities and will actively seek ways of supporting them, looking for opportunities to do so both within our existing and future budgets and through seeking additional income such as grants;
f. Will support our communities and voluntary, community and faith groups in assisting asylum seekers and refugees wherever possible.”