Guildford takes a stand for inclusion as Borough of Sanctuary motion wins council backing
Lib-Dem run Guildford Borough Council has voted to support the principles of becoming a Borough of Sanctuary, reaffirming its commitment to making Guildford a welcoming, inclusive and safe place for everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The motion, brought forward by the Liberal Democrats, recognises the important role the council has in offering safety and support to people fleeing violence and persecution, promoting community cohesion and standing alongside those who experience racism, discrimination and intimidation in its many forms.
It also acknowledges the positive contribution refugees and people seeking asylum make to our local communities, while reinforcing the council's wider responsibility to support vulnerable, homeless, isolated and disadvantaged residents.
The initiative reflects one of the Liberal Democrats' key objectives for the council's Corporate Strategy: to create a more inclusive council.
A Positive, Practical Direction for Guildford
The motion sets out a positive and practical direction for Guildford borough, resolving to:
- Apply to join the national City of Sanctuary network and seek recognised Council of Sanctuary status.
- Promote the inclusion and welfare of people who are homeless, destitute or isolated.
- Continue to make Guildford a welcoming place of safety, encouraging integration and community cohesion.
- Challenge discrimination and discriminatory language in all its forms, including from politicians of every political party.
- Celebrate the diversity of Guildford's cultures and communities.
- Encourage voluntary, community and faith organisations, the police and NHS partners to become involved in the City of Sanctuary movement.
- Recommend that the Leader of the Council asks West Surrey Council to consider adopting Council of Sanctuary status.
Commenting on the motion, Carla Morson, Portfolio Holder for Communities said:
“Guildford should be a place where everyone feels welcome, valued and safe. People fleeing war, violence and persecution deserve the opportunity to rebuild their lives in safety, and we have a responsibility as a council to play our part in making that possible.
“This statement is about more than just refugees and asylum seekers. It is about the kind of community we want Guildford to be: one that supports people who are vulnerable or isolated, celebrates diversity, challenges discrimination and recognises the positive contribution that people from all backgrounds and histories make to our borough.
“Making Guildford a more inclusive council was one of our key objectives when we developed our Corporate Strategy when the Liberal Democrats won leadership of the council in May 2023. Supporting the Borough of Sanctuary initiative is a practical expression of that commitment.
“Guildford has an opportunity to demonstrate leadership and send a clear message: everyone deserves dignity, respect and the opportunity to feel that they belong here.”
Zöe Franklin, Liberal Democrat MP for Guildford, added:
“I am delighted that my colleagues at Guildford Borough Council have voted to see our borough designated a ‘Borough of Sanctuary’. Guildford is an inclusive and welcoming place and I will be very proud to see it take its place on the list of places across the UK which have already made similar positive statements about what they stand for.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
The City of Sanctuary movement is a national network of towns, cities and local authorities working to build a culture of welcome, safety and inclusion for people seeking sanctuary.
The motion was considered at a meeting of Guildford Borough Council's Full Council.