Inside the Home Counties town that fought to become a ‘sanctuary’ for refugees

Detailed summary

Hertfordshire council’s bid to seek ‘Council of Sanctuary’ status will continue, despite an attempt to block it from the opposition Reform group and an online petition in backlash…

In Herefordshire, a fight has been ongoing between the local Reform and Lib Dems groups over becoming a sanctuary for refugees.

Earlier this year, the Lib Dems, who are the minority leaders of the county council, pushed forward with plans to join the sanctuary for refugees scheme.

The City of Sanctuary Local Authority network costs £2700 to join and involves councils sharing resources and practices for working with asylum seekers and refugees, such as tips for teaching English as a second language to refugees.

The scheme also means councils make a commitment to being “a place of sanctuary”, meaning they foster an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for refugees and asylum seekers. The status is granted over a period of three years. After that, councils have to be reaccredited.

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