Agenda item

To consider any motions, due notice of which have been given in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

There was one motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

 

Council of Sanctuary

 

RESOLVED: That the Council:

 

(1)   Launch the journey to become an awarded District Council of Sanctuary by joining City of Sanctuary’s local authority network.

 

(2)   Embody and commit to the City of Sanctuary ‘Charter’ values of Inclusive, Openness, Participation, Inspire, and Integrity in all we do.

 

In addition to taking local action, we will call on the Government to:

 

(3)   Guarantee the safety of all children.

 

(4)   Create a proper plan for resettlement.

Audio recording – 36 Minute 1 second

 

There was one motion submitted in accordance with Standing Order 4.8.12.

 

Council of Sanctuary

 

Councillor Alistair Willoughby proposed the submitted amended motion as follows:

 

“North Herts is proud of its diversity and history of welcoming people from across the world to the District.

 

There is a tradition at the heart of North Herts’ communities, those of faith and of none, of working together to welcome, host, feed, clothe and support people seeking sanctuary here.

 

North Herts is enhanced by the contribution of those from a diverse range of backgrounds.

 

Over the last few years, the council has, with the support of residents, partners and community groups, co-ordinated the resettlement of refugees and supported asylum seekers. This has included:

 

·       Supporting the resettlement of 55 individuals through the Syrian Vulnerable Persons

·       Resettlement Scheme

·       Hosting 289 Ukrainian refugees escaping war (including 106 children)

·       Resettling 15 refugees through the Afghanistan Citizens Resettlement Scheme

·       Committing to playing our part in tackling modern slavery and trafficking.

 

We are committed to continuing to work with partners, schools, and the voluntary, community and faith sector to create a welcoming and secure borough for those seeking sanctuary.

 

The District Council of Sanctuary is awarded by City of Sanctuary to institutions that are welcoming to those fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries, and protecting the rights of all migrants, asylum-seekers and refugees.

 

Council believes that:

 

·       Standing up for those facing persecution, and welcoming refugees, asylum seekers and migrants is a moral responsibility that enriches our district and country.

·       North Herts must continue to support its migrant communities and that the journey to become a District Council of Sanctuary will solidify this commitment.

·       Refugee & asylum seekers are much more likely to be subject to both criminal and sexual exploitation as well as modern day slavery.

·       We owe a moral duty towards children, and vulnerable and trafficked adults in our District, and this should extend, where possible, to refugees and migrants.

 

This Council commits to continuing its work:

 

·       Embedding our organisational principles of equality and inclusion at the heart of our work with refugees and asylum seekers when supporting them in our community and engaging with district council services

·       Challenging anti-migrant sentiment wherever we find it and championing the rights and dignity of refugees and asylum seekers.

·       Finding opportunities across the Council and the District to celebrate our migrant communities, tell their stories, and promote their voices.

·       Developing the Council’s formal approach to how we engage with, listen to and support those seeking sanctuary, including the development of a Refugee strategy and accompanying action Plan.

·       Working with local community, health, and education partners, including those with lived Experience. This will include working with these partners to shape North Herts’ District of Sanctuary ambition and strategy.

 

That the Council resolves to:

 

1. Launch the journey to become an awarded District Council of Sanctuary by joining City of Sanctuary’s local authority network.

2. Embody and commit to the City of Sanctuary ‘Charter’ values of Inclusive, Openness, Participation, Inspire, and Integrity in all we do.

 

In addition to taking local action, we will call on the Government to:

1. Guarantee the safety of all children.

2. Create a proper plan for resettlement.”

Councillor Sean Prendergast seconded the amended motion.

The following Members took part in the debate:

 

·       Councillor David Levett

·       Councillor Gerald Morris

·       Councillor Tamsin Thomas

·       Councillor Ralph Muncer

 

Councillor Alistair Willoughby summarised that the motion:

 

·       Was not a party political motion, it was about helping people who were fleeing their homes due to conflict.

·       This motion would say to refugees that the Council, was here for them, they can make a home here and be part of our community.

·       This motion was about working with an organisation and network of people who cared about people.

·       This motion set out a vision and the journey, to help make the lives of many people better, showing that the Council cared and wanted to help people.

 

Councillor Daniel Allen requested a recorded vote on this item.

 

Having been proposed and seconded and, following a vote, the result was as follows:

 

YES                 :            32

ABSTAIN        :              5

NO                   :              0

TOTAL            :            37

 

The individual results were as follows:

 

Cllr Daniel Allen                                             YES

Cllr Adam Compton                                        YES

Cllr Alistair Willoughby                                   YES

Cllr Amy Allen                                                YES

Cllr Bryony May                                              YES                              

Cllr Chris Hinchliff                                           YES

Cllr Chris Lucas                                              YES

Cllr Claire Strong                                            YES

Cllr Clare Billing                                              YES

Cllr Daniel Marsh                                           YES

Cllr Daniel Wright-Mason                               YES

Cllr Dave Winstanley                                      YES       

Cllr David Levett                                             YES                           

Cllr Elizabeth Dennis                                      YES                                  

Cllr Gerald Morris                                           ABSTAIN

Cllr Ian Albert                                                 YES

Cllr Ian Mantle                                                YES

Cllr Ian Moody                                                YES                            

Cllr Keith Hoskins                                           YES

Cllr Lisa Nash                                                 YES

Cllr Louise Peace                                           YES

Cllr Mandi Tandi                                             ABSTAIN

Cllr Matt Barnes                                             YES

Cllr Michael Muir                                            YES

Cllr Mick Debenham                                       YES

Cllr Nigel Mason                                             YES

Cllr Philip Weeder                                          YES

Cllr Ralph Muncer                                           ABSTAIN

Cllr Richard Thake                                         ABSTAIN

Cllr Ruth Brown                                              YES

Cllr Sean Nolan                                              YES

Cllr Sean Prendergast                                    YES

Cllr Steve Jarvis                                             YES

Cllr Tamsin Thomas                                       YES

Cllr Terry Hone                                               ABSTAIN

Cllr Tom Tyson                                               YES

Cllr Val Bryant                                                YES

 

As such it was:

 

RESOLVED: That the motion was carried.