City of Sanctuary Call for council to reaffirm commitment to refugees

BRISTOL'S Labour group is calling on the council to reaffirm its commitment as a City of Sanctuary and “continue to receive and support refugees, asylum seekers and migrants who want to live in our city and make a meaningful contribution”.

- Adam POSTANS Local Democracy Reporter

Cllr Tim Rippington, who represents Brislington East, has tabled a motion to next week’s full council meeting requesting the authority does not pursue court action to close hotels housing asylum seekers, as has been attempted elsewhere in the country.

It also calls for the council to “condemn irresponsible rhetoric that seeks to divide our communities and risks fuelling a repeat of racist violence seen on our streets in the summer of 2024”.

The motion states: “The hysteria surrounding hotels hosting asylum seekers is being stirred up by far-right groups in order to scapegoat people who are often here seeking refuge from severe danger in other countries.

Cllr Tim Rippington has tabled a motion requesting Bristol continues to support and receive refugees and asylum seekers