This Council is concerned by the UK government’s illegal immigration bill which proposes to detain and later remove anyone who arrives in the UK on a small boat, meaning the Home Office will not consider any of their Asylum claims regardless of whether they have fled war or persecution for being a minority.
These people seeking sanctuary will then be deported back to the country they have fled from or a ‘safe’ third country. This third country could be Rwanda or another country deemed safe by UK Government but which may have a questionable record on human rights. The likely effect of this legislation will be to punish the most vulnerable people from across the world.
Questions have been raised surrounding the legality of the Bill and whether it is compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and consistent with the 1951 Refugees Convention. The Prime Minister has also stated in writing that if you come to the UK illegally “You can’t benefit from our modern slavery protections”.
This Council also notes the language which has been used to support this Bill, which has the potential to cultivate and provide a platform for a culture of abuse, racism and even violence against refugees and minorities.
As an experienced dispersal area this council has made a firm commitment in our Corporate Plan to establish Newport as a City of Sanctuary. This Council and the people of Newport have welcomed and accepted refugees and asylum seekers. We have a proud history of integration and inclusion. Our city is a more interesting, diverse and tolerant city because of this.
This Council calls in to question the action of the UK Government in bringing forward this legislation, and calls upon the prime minister and his ministers to withdraw these proposals.
We call upon the Leader of Council to write to the prime minister in the strongest possible terms to outline our concerns.
We would also request the Leader of the council commits to ensuring that Newport City Council gives full support to all partners and stakeholders in Newport currently working towards City of Sanctuary status.
The Motion is to be proposed by Councillor Stowell-Corten and seconded by Councillor Clarke.
Minutes:
The Presiding Member invited Councillor Corten to present the motion with Councillor Clarke to second.
This Council is concerned by the UK government’s illegal immigration bill which proposes to detain and later remove anyone who arrives in the UK on a small boat, meaning the Home Office will not consider any of their Asylum claims regardless of whether they have fled war or persecution for being a minority.
These people seeking sanctuary will then be deported back to the country they have fled from or a ‘safe’ third country. This third country could be Rwanda, or another country deemed safe by UK Government, but which may have a questionable record on human rights. The likely effect of this legislation will be to punish the most vulnerable people from across the world.
Questions have been raised surrounding the legality of the Bill and whether it is compliant with the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and consistent with the 1951 Refugees Convention. The Prime Minister has also stated in writing that if you come to the UK illegally “You can’t benefit from our modern slavery protections”.
This Council also notes the language which has been used to support this Bill, which has the potential to cultivate and provide a platform for a culture of abuse, racism and even violence against refugees and minorities.
As an experienced dispersal area this council has made a firm commitment in our Corporate Plan to establish Newport as a City of Sanctuary. This Council and the people of Newport have welcomed and accepted refugees and asylum seekers. We have a proud history of integration and inclusion. Our city is a more interesting, diverse, and tolerant city because of this.
This Council calls in to question the action of the UK Government in bringing forward this legislation and calls upon the prime minister and his ministers to withdraw these proposals.
We call upon the Leader of the Council to write to the prime minister in the strongest possible terms to outline our concerns.
We would also request the Leader of the Council commits to ensuring that Newport City Council gives full support to all partners and stakeholders in Newport currently working towards City of Sanctuary status.
Comments from Councillors:
§ Councillor Drewett gave an account of his family history as a descendent of immigrants. Councillor Drewett referenced an event held by the Red Cross at the Westgate Hotel two or three years ago, called Giving Voice. Asylum speakers spoke at this event about their experiences since their arrival in Newport and their appreciation of the warm welcome they received, of friendships they made, and the opportunities available. Councillor Drewett said that Newport had a proud tradition of supporting immigrants, and that he strongly supported the motion.
§ Councillor Davies spoke of research into her own family history, where her ancestors had moved to the UK for economic reasons, and at other times to escape conflict and persecution. Councillor Davies stated that her story was not uncommon, and she was proud of her heritage. Councillor Davies reflected on current circumstances whereby Newport welcomed people from Ukraine and Afghanistan. Councillor Davies also referred to a current backlog on processing asylum applications, and therefore supported the motion.
§ Councillor Lacey also supported the motion and echoed the comments of her colleagues. Councillor Lacey stated that in February the backlog for processing asylum applications had reached 160,000. Councillor Lacey was proud that Newport was working towards a City of Sanctuary status, which she felt recognised that Newport was a compassionate city that considered the contributions and rights of those who worked and lived in the city. Councillor Lacey fully supported the motion.
§ Councillor Whitehead considered that this was an emotive issue that made it difficult to debate. Councillor Whitehead reflected that Newport was a diverse city with an amazing track record, however services that underpinned society are under pressure, with housing being a main concern. Councillor Whitehead suggested that a consultation process be held to involve residents. Councillor Whitehead summarised that as the Council has a duty to everyone, the issue should be debated in a fair and compassionate way; whilst this is a noble cause, consultation is needed with residents.
§ Councillor Marshall mentioned that Newport has a proud history of integration and inclusion and he had found to be diverse and tolerant. Councillor Marshall noted the important work that the Council’s international team is doing in supporting young unaccompanied people seeking asylum and through partnerships. Councillor Marshall stated that Newport had been a city of sanctuary for centuries, and therefore he called on the Leader to support the motion.
§ Councillor Forsey supported the motion and echoed the comments of Councillor Marshall, appreciating the work of the Sanctuary Project. Councillor Forsey went on to provide statistics on applications as well as dispelling myths about application for UK asylum seekers. Councillor Forsey felt that seeking asylum was a fundamental right and hoped that people would open their hearts and borders to make a more inclusive society.
§ Councillor Cocks referred to the Blue Plaque on a building in Cross Street in Caerleon which commemorated the child evacuees from the Basque country during the second world war. Councillor Cocks considered that the residents of Caerleon were proud of this.
§ Councillor Reynolds voiced his objection to the Bill and considered the situations that refugees were in when fleeing their county, and therefore supported the motion.
§ Councillor Mogford mentioned that it was important to debate the topic and listen to what was said, Councillor Mogford referred to the point in the motion regarding the Leader writing to the Prime Minister. Councillor Mogford asked if the Leader could write to the MPs of Newport in the first instance rather than bypass them and go directly to the Prime Minister. Councillor Mogford also added that Newport was a city with limited resources and queried the support that would be offered to residents in Newport who were in crisis.
§ Councillor Al-Nuaimi fully supported the motion, stating that Newport was already a city of sanctuary. Councillor Al-Nuaimi referenced his time as Mayor in 2006, when he said he met with MPs to accept the status of Newport as a dispersal city. Councillor Al-Nuaimi supported the motion, stating that yesterday’s immigrants were today’s good citizens; however, he agreed that facilities were limited, and this had to be taken into consideration. Councillor Al-Nuaimi concluded that Newport had a duty of care for residents, as well as those who we were receiving sanctuary.
§ Councillor Morris agreed with most comments already made and confirmed that he and his ward colleagues would be abstaining from voting on the motion in light of the pressures being faced by residents. Councillor Morris recommended that the Council should not send letter to Prime Minister. Councillor Morris felt that immigrants were, welcomed and supported by residents, and cited the congregation of a church he attends as an example of this, but concluded that the motion would have an impact on the people of Newport and therefore he would abstain.
§ Councillor Evans echoed the comments already made regarding the pressures faced by residents and the detrimental impact and mentioned complaints that he received from residents regarding council services. Councillor Evans stated that Newport had offered sanctuary to over 450,000 people since 2015 through various schemes. Councillor Evans suggested that the Council hold a referendum for the residents of Newport to find out their views, and in the meantime, Council focus on providing better services for citizens.
§ The Leader referred to the Standing Orders allowing the matter of the motion to be properly explained and clarified the motion to colleagues. The Leader pointed out that Objective 3, point 6 of the Corporate Plan stated that Newport would be a city of sanctuary, endeavouring to support asylum seekers and refugees from the global community to settle and become part of Newport’s community. This commitment was embedded in the plan which was agreed in November 2022 by all members of the Council, including opposition leaders.
§ The Leader went on to say that she is a proud Newportonian, who loves her city, community, and birthplace; and reflected on her positive experience at a diverse school. The Leader went on to say that Newport Council colleagues all loved their home, the richness and diversity of communities, and reflected on the privilege of the leadership role which offered the opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds. The Leader noted that this involved welcoming refugees to our great city and listening to their stories of survival and resilience. The Leader commented that she would have the privilege of attending Maindee Primary School this week, which was a School of Sanctuary. The Leader explained that this meant that it was recognised as a school of welcome and safety, where the school forged empathy and cultural awareness. The Leader confirmed that there are around 520 pupils enrolled at the school, and approximately 93% of pupils spoke English as an additional language, with over 42 different languages being spoken amongst pupils. The Leader commented that the school had recently received accreditation for being the first School of Sanctuary in Newport. Leader had benefitted from cultural diversity growing up and looked to the children of Newport who also experienced the same and children and it was for those children and their families that the Leader was proud to accept this motion.
§ Councillor Reeks was proud to support the city and welcomed refugees coming through the correct channels. And added that even City of Sanctuary had a limit. The infrastructure was a crisis point and referred to the schools being at capacity. Councillor Reeks felt that there was a need to focus on day-to-day tasks of normal council functions and therefore did not support the motion.
§ Councillor Jones mentioned that as a councillor, he was there to represent residents of Newport and agreed that it was a welcoming place. Councillor Jones also echoed the concerns regarding the shortage of facilities, which caused residents concern.
§ Councillor Routley considered that it was imperative that the Council address homelessness, housing, and medical care and echoed the comments of colleagues and therefore objected to the motion.
§ Councillor Hourahine also reflected on comments previously mentioned by council colleagues and strongly supported the motion.
§ Councillor Batrouni thanked Cllr Stowell-Corten for bringing this motion forward for debate and supported the motion.
§ Councillor Clarke supported the motion and outlined concerns in the Bill as well as the negative impact through Newport social media. Councillor Clarke was proud to live in Newport and proud of Newport citizens.
§ Councillor Stowell-Corten was pleased to close the debate and put forward her closing argument and reminded everyone of the purpose of the motion. Councillor Stowell-Corten reflected on comments of colleagues and considered the plight of refugees and imagined how it would feel in their situation. Councillor Stowell-Corten took the opportunity to provide information, on the backlog of 138,000 applications and other statistic, facts and dispelling any myths councillors may have with regard to illegal immigrants, safer routes, and bespoke Visa routes. Also referred to comments from councillors in relation housing, schools at capacity, GP, and dentists under pressure. Newport was a dispersal area and we welcomed nurses, GPs and dentists who were former asylum seekers. Asylum Seekers were not jumping the queue and most displaced people stayed near a neighbouring country to return home at their earliest opportunity. Those did come to Newport did so because of links here. More than 30 languages spoken in Newport schools and areas of our city and Councillor Stowell-Corten was proud of this and that our children were tolerant, empathetic, and open-minded citizens. Many colleagues could trace their family members back to immigrants who formed a melting pot of cultures, languages and ideas that had melded to form a Britain and Newport that we all loved and worked in today. There were wars and conflicts that drove a human crisis. Children who fled war in Sudan today would be detained and deported. Fortunately, no one present today would need to seek sanctuary in the future.
Resolved:
§ That the majority of Councillors voted in favour of the motion, Therefore the motion was carried.
§ Councillors also called upon the Leader of the Council to write to the Prime Minister to outline the Council’s concerns.