That this Council:
(a) welcomes the initiatives by Glasgow & Bristol City Councils in passing a motion highlighting concerns about refused asylum seekers and the lack of support for them in the UK;
(b) commends the work with refused asylum seekers in Sheffield by organisations such as City of Sanctuary, Northern Refugee Centre, SYMAAG and ASSIST;
(c) shares the concerns raised by groups working with refused asylum seekers about the levels of destitution in Sheffield and the associated problems this creates; and
(d) asserts that if Sheffield’s proud declaration as the country’s first City of Sanctuary is to be meaningful and worthy of its fine words, we must act to improve this situation in the following ways;
(i) the Leader of the Council writes to the Home Secretary and Chief Executive of the UK Border Agency seeking changes to their policy toward refused asylum seekers; and
(ii) the Leader of the Council sends a copy of this letter to:
1. The Home Affairs Select Committee for consideration during its inquiry into Asylum;
2. Sheffield MPs to support the content of this motion and to raise the matter in the House of Commons; and
3. The Local Government Association to encourage other councils in the UK to follow Sheffield’s lead.
Minutes:
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Refused Asylum Seekers |
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RESOLVED: On the Motion of Councillor Geoff Smith, seconded by Councillor Sylvia Anginotti, that this Council:- |
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(a) welcomes the initiatives by Glasgow & Bristol City Councils in passing a motion highlighting concerns about refused asylum seekers and the lack of support for them in the UK;
(b) commends the work with refused asylum seekers in Sheffield by organisations such as City of Sanctuary, Northern Refugee Centre, SYMAAG and ASSIST;
(c) shares the concerns raised by groups working with refused asylum seekers about the levels of destitution in Sheffield and the associated problems this creates; and
(d) asserts that if Sheffield’s proud declaration as the country’s first City of Sanctuary is to be meaningful and worthy of its fine words, we must act to improve this situation in the following ways;
(i) the Leader of the Council writes to the Home Secretary and Chief Executive of the UK Border Agency seeking changes to their policy toward refused asylum seekers; and
(ii) the Leader of the Council sends a copy of this letter to:
1. The Home Affairs Select Committee for consideration during its inquiry into Asylum;
2. Sheffield MPs to support the content of this motion and to raise the matter in the House of Commons; and
3. The Local Government Association to encourage other councils in the UK to follow Sheffield’s lead.
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