Famous UK seaside town axes plans to be refugee 'sanctuary' after furious backlash

Weston-super-Mare has abandoned its plans to become a "Council of Sanctuary" town for refugees following strong opposition. The proposal, approved in March, aimed to "signpost" asylum seekers to local services in the UK seaside town. 

However, since the decision, it has faced criticism comparable to the protests seen over the summer. On Monday, more than 100 protesters gathered outside a council meeting, chanting "send them home".

Caroline Reynolds, the Liberal Democrat councillor who first put forward the idea, said other councillors had been influenced by "misinformation and misunderstanding", adding that she was "disappointed" by the decision.

Labour councillor James Clayton stated: "We don't need a badge, we don't need a certificate, we are a welcoming town, we've proven that historically and we'll continue to prove that in future."

He added that joining "would be binding ourselves to rules and expectations written elsewhere".

Mr Clayton went on: "What I'm against is for an external organisation to dictate to Weston-super-Mare how we should behave or how we should demonstrate our compassion.

"We already know how to look after one another, we already understand what it means to be a good neighbour and just signing up to a scheme is replacing general local goodwill with ticking boxes and bureaucracy."

City of Sanctuary UK, which runs the scheme, disputed this, saying it does not instruct authorities on what to do.

More than 100 councils have already joined the scheme, which costs £150 for a three-year membership.

The charity's website says: "From community groups to schools and universities, local councils to libraries and theatres, we work with individuals, groups and organisations in every area and sector to encourage inclusivity, solidarity, and compassion for people from a forced displacement background."

When seeking feedback on the proposal, Weston Town Council held an online survey that revealed residents’ concerns about crime, housing shortages and GP service access.

The majority opposed the plan, with 339 respondents against and only 92 in favour.

Ahead of the May 1 local elections, Reform UK's West of England mayoral candidate Arron Banks circulated an email from a "concerned mother" claiming the council wanted "to be a sanctuary town for refugees".

"They say people against it are a minority, displaying prejudice and intolerance," Mr Banks said angrily. "The silent majority need to vote Reform on May 1 and sort these b******s out."

A petition demanding the proposal be scrapped, signed by 950 people, was delivered to the council in early August.

Weston Trades Council later launched a counter-petition.

Conservative councillor Gill Bute argued it would be inappropriate for the plan to proceed, saying: "As councillors we are only in the roles we're in because we've been voted in by people."

Labour councillor Clayton agreed, saying: "As a town we're not in a place to adopt this."

The financial and general purposes committee decided the proposal should be halted.

The committee urged the council to "further pursue harmony between people... without becoming part of the Council of Sanctuary".