Reform UK councillors in Sandwell have voted to scrap the borough's 'Borough of Sanctuary' status, a designation granted in 2023 to welcome migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. The decision, backed by the ruling Reform administration, was met with fierce opposition from Labour, Green, and independent councillors who accused the party of 'calculated nastiness' and 'promoting division instead of cohesion.'
Council Leader Defends Move
Council leader Ray Nock argued that Sandwell does not need 'external labels' to validate its inclusivity, pointing instead to the borough's 'unacceptable' housing waiting list. 'We inherited a housing waiting list that measured in the tens of thousands, with some poor souls waiting on the list in excess of ten or more years to get a property. This is obviously not acceptable,' Nock said during the council meeting.
Opposition Reactions
Labour opposition leader Paul Moore rejected Nock’s justification, stating that the 'Borough of Sanctuary' status is 'inconsequential as to whether somebody is awarded a house.' He added, 'Sandwell has always been a welcoming borough and diverse place. We are not going to be drawn into your decisive politics and play your silly games.'
Green councillor John Tipper, representing Bearwood, described the motion as 'one of the most cynical bits of calculated nastiness and political sleights of hand' he had ever seen. He noted that the status 'doesn’t actually commit us to a great deal in terms of funding' and accused Reform of 'deflection techniques.' Tipper attributed the housing crisis not to 'people from Eritrea, Pakistan, Iraq or Hong Kong seeking sanctuary' but to the sale of council houses under Margaret Thatcher, which he said 'made greed a national religion.'
External Criticism
Shari Brown, chair of Birmingham City of Sanctuary, which recently fended off a similar Reform attempt to remove its accreditation, said: 'Withdrawing from these schemes does not free up resources for local services, reduce pressure on housing, or change immigration policy.'
Reform Supporters
Reform councillor Matt Lloyd, representing Tipton Green, praised the motion as a 'complete breath of fresh air,' saying he, like many residents, was 'fed up of being put into boxes.' He said the council should 'move beyond labels' and remain committed to helping 'every' resident.
Motion Details
The motion, passed with the backing of the Reform administration, stated: 'Council notes that Sandwell has long been a borough of diversity, resilience, and a strong sense of community across all six towns. Our history and identity are shaped by people from a wide range of backgrounds, cultures, and experiences, who've chosen to make Sandwell their home and have contributed to its success. Council affirms that Sandwell is, always has been and will remain a diverse, inclusive and welcoming borough. This commitment is embedded in our policies, our services, and the daily work of our staff, members and partners. Sandwell doesn’t need external titles or labels to be meaningful or effective. We’re about delivering and making a real difference to all our residents and communities.'
