Reform motion to withdraw Bradford from sanctuary status defeated

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 15 Oct, 11:02 · Archive

Reform UK's motion to withdraw Bradford from Local Authority of Sanctuary status was defeated by 38 votes to 37 at Wednesday's full council meeting in one of the party's biggest defeats since coming to power in May.

The motion was proposed by Councillor Ian Walker, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities. He argued the status represented a 'political movement' with 'a political agenda', saying the idea that Bradford should be a welcoming place for all 'sends a shiver down my spine'. Reform acknowledged that withdrawing would not affect how many refugees and asylum seekers the city takes in, nor would it impact council services like public health or safeguarding that continue regardless.

Opposition councillors opposed the motion, calling it 'divisive' and pointing out Bradford had a proud history of supporting refugees. They argued withdrawal would make no difference to the council's finances or services provided. The City of Sanctuary status, awarded in 2021, costs the council £700 every three years. It involves the authority guiding refugees and asylum seekers to services including English classes and hosting events for refugee communities.

How it is being reported

• Motion to ditch city's 'sanctuary' status defeatedThe motion tabled by Ian Walker was defeated by one vote at Wednesday's full council meeting.BBC Leeds And West Yorkshire · 15 Oct, 10:41
• Reform's motion to withdraw Bradford from 'sanctuary' status lost by one voteREFORM’S controversial motion to withdraw Bradford from the Local Authority of Sanctuary status was defeated by one vote following a heated debate on Wednesday evening.Telegraph & Argus · 14 Oct, 22:11

In this story: Reform UK · Bradford · Ian Walker · City of Sanctuary

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