Labour success at first stage of overturning “Council of Sanctuary” status

Labour Councillor for Bournville, Cllr James Clayton succeeded in his party’s quest at yesterdays Finance & General Purpose meeting, in taking the first necessary step to overturn the councils vote earlier this year for Weston-super-Mare to become a “Council of Sanctuary”

The contentious “Council of Sanctuary” vote which some local residents feel did not receive sufficient public consultation has resulted in widespread misinformation on social media, often by anonymous accounts seemingly intent on stirring up hatred and fear in a town which historically has long been harmonious and peaceful on issues of race, religion and ethnicity.

A significant amount of the misinformation has been propagated since the vote via the “Spotted Weston-super-Mare” Facebook group which in recent months was taken control of under dubious circumstances by elements of the local branch of Reform.

One of many recent posts on the group on the subjects of refugees and immigration stated anonymously and without merit“I have just been down to the sea front and the amount of refugees down there is mental! How is a woman meant to feel safe down there with all these vile people”

In the 2021 census, 95% of Weston-super-Mare residents identified as White and no hotels in Weston-super-Mare are being used to house refugees, nor is their any plan for them to.

Cllr James Clayton said; “I’m pleased to report that at last night’s F&GP meeting, my recommendation from the Sanctuary Task and Finish Group to remove the Town of Sanctuary status was adopted and will now be referred to Full Council on 22nd September.

The original decision, taken on 24th March, was rushed through without any consultation, which many of us felt was wrong. Since then, I and a number of fellow councillors have worked hard to ensure the voices of local people were properly heard.

Weston has always been a welcoming and inclusive town. However, the Town of Sanctuary label offered no real resources or funding and, in practice, amounted to little more than a symbolic gesture.

I am glad we can now look to put this behind us and continue moving Weston forward in a positive and meaningful way.”

A public consultation on the “Council of Sanctuary” status was conducted in July, and to a full meeting of Weston-Super-Mare Town Council where the full reversal will be voted on, will take place on Monday 22nd September.