Birmingham's new Reform councillors have tabled a motion calling for the council to end its 'voluntary' support for refugees and rescind its official status as a 'city of sanctuary'. The motion, the first major move by Reform since becoming the largest single party on the council, has been met with immediate condemnation from anti-racist groups, City of Sanctuary charity leaders, and the Labour opposition.
Reform's motion targets sanctuary status
The motion is led by Graham Green, Reform's shadow cabinet member for equalities, communities and social justice, who represents the Oscott ward, and is backed by Cherie Waddingham, shadow cabinet member for housing and homelessness for Weoley and Selly Oak. It calls on the council to end its long-standing official status as a 'city of sanctuary', arguing that the council's primary responsibility is to Birmingham residents, not refugees. The motion also demands that the council play no part in new voluntary refugee sponsorship schemes, stating that resources should focus on existing residents and the recovery of local public services.
The motion claims that participation in voluntary refugee sponsorship schemes is 'not an appropriate priority for a council continuing to recover from effective bankruptcy and facing significant pressures on local services.' It further calls on the council to withdraw from the City of Sanctuary scheme, a formal status adopted in 2015 at no cost, and reiterated as recently as February 2024 with a new action plan and strategy.
Labour leader condemns motion as 'divisive'
Labour group leader Nicky Brennan has strongly criticised the motion, calling it 'deliberately divisive' and 'misinformed'. She said: 'We should be in no doubt that the Reform group have tabled this motion in order to divide and spread misinformation regarding the way that refugees and migrants are supported by the state. Rescinding the City of Sanctuary status would weaken partnerships and do nothing to tackle the challenges that our city faces.' Brennan confirmed that Labour would vote against the motion.
The motion will be debated at the first full council meeting on July 14, following the formation of a new coalition administration comprising Green, Liberal Democrat and Better Birmingham Independent councillors. This minority administration holds 38 of the 101 council seats, with council leader Roger Harmer (Lib Dem, Acocks Green) and deputy leader Julien Pritchard (Green, Druids Heath and Monyhull). Reform, with 22 seats plus one suspended councillor, forms the official opposition, led by Councillor Jex Parkin (Kingstanding).
Reform defends motion as prioritising residents
In a statement, Councillor Green defended the motion: 'Reform UK was elected on a clear mandate to put the residents of Birmingham first. That means focusing the council’s time, resources and attention on the people who already live here and rely on local services. This is not about abandoning people Birmingham is legally required to support, including Ukrainians already supported through existing commitments. It is about ensuring the Council does not expand voluntary schemes beyond its legal obligations without a clear democratic mandate from residents.'
The motion also calls on council leader Roger Harmer to write to Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, confirming the council will 'play no part in any new voluntary refugee sponsorship schemes' and insists that any future requests for council involvement in refugee schemes must go through full council.
Background on Birmingham's sanctuary commitments
Birmingham has previously committed to being 'a place of safety for all and proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution.' As part of its sanctuary work, the city council has pledged to commission services and projects to support people arriving and settling in the city, including the Homes for Ukraine, Afghan and Syrian refugee resettlement schemes, and those dispersed by the Home Office. This includes 'investing in partnerships and resources' to improve outcomes for sanctuary seekers and better understand migration issues.
The motion will be debated in the Council Chamber at Birmingham Council House on July 14.
