A councillor has condemned plans to strip Bradford of its Local Authority of Sanctuary status.
Cllr Joe Wheatley (Independent, Bingley East), described the proposal as "shameful" and "misguided," warning that it could harm vulnerable people.
The proposal, put forward by Bradford’s Reform-led administration, would see the council withdraw from its Local Authority of Sanctuary accreditation - a national scheme that recognises councils committed to creating welcoming environments for refugees and asylum seekers.
'Thoughtless and misguided'
Cllr Wheatley said: "Removing our status removes the additional support that status provides to people in need.
"It is a thoughtless, irresponsible and misguided motion rooted in demagoguery rather than reality."
Councillor Ian Walker (Image: LDRS)
The motion was announced by Cllr Ian Walker (Wyke, Reform) portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, who said it was intended to spark debate on migration and ensure residents had a voice in the matter.
However, Cllr Wheatley argued that the move would not give residents any real influence over immigration policy.
'We're a local authority, not the Home Office'
He said: "Because we're a local authority, not the Home Office.
"This doesn't give residents a meaningful say on migration, as it is a national issue, and wastes Council time rather than looking to solve problems such the need for greater swimming provision across the district."
City of Sanctuary members celebrating in Bradford (Image: Newsquest)
Bradford was awarded Local Authority of Sanctuary status in 2021 in recognition of its work supporting refugees and asylum seekers through partnerships with charities and community organisations.
Cllr Wheatley said public debate around the proposal risked confusing refugees and asylum seekers with illegal immigrants.
Read More:
Support for refugees and asylum seekers
He emphasised that the City of Sanctuary programme supports "asylum seekers and refugees (not illegal immigrants)" and warned that withdrawing could affect access to language classes, wellbeing services, and employment advice for those in need.
Cllr Joe Wheatley (Image: Newsquest)
He said: "City of Sanctuary also helps to foster culture and community that is welcoming and inclusive, which helps to create more cohesive and collaborative communities."
The councillor described the status as a "proud statement of our humanity."
He said: "Children arrive, often distressed from war zones (e.g. Ukraine), and they need support to rebuild their lives and Bradford City of Sanctuary offers that support.
"I cannot think of anything less Bradfordian than to make life harder for children, for displaced families and those fleeing the abuses of war."
He warned that the proposal could inflame community tensions but said that rejecting the motion would send a clear message that "Bradford remains a place of welcome and inclusion."