In July 2021 Shropshire Council agreed to work towards a ‘Council of Sanctuary’ Recognition gaining cross-party support from across the chamber. 

The motion was proposed by Councillor Kate Halliday and is supported by Councillors Rosemary Dartnall, Julia Buckley and Alan Mosley:

‘This council is committed to support an initiative to make Shropshire into a recognised ‘Council of Sanctuary’ welcoming those fleeing violence and persecution in their own countries. We recognise their potential contribution to our county, and also recognise that a comprehensive, co-ordinated and forward-looking approach is needed if the welfare of people moving into the county, and community cohesion between new and existing communities, are to be supported effectively.

Local authorities across the political spectrum have been awarded ‘Council of Sanctuary’ status. Shropshire Council is already taking many of the actions required to achieve ‘Sanctuary Status’ through its existing programmes. To become a Council of Sanctuary there are some straightforward steps

1 – Contact ‘City of Sanctuary’ to pledge support and connect with them
2 – Join the local authority network. In joining the network we are committing to work towards the Council of Sanctuary Award and are agreeing to sign up as a Supporting Organisation
3 – Produce an Action Plan which focuses on learning, embedding the principles of City of Sanctuary, and sharing good news stories.
4 – Then when ready apply for recognition.

More information can be found on the City of Sanctuary website https://cityofsanctuary.org/

This council:

• Acknowledges the contribution of refugees and people seeking sanctuary to Shropshire
• Are willing to add our organisation’s name to the list of supporters of City of Sanctuary
• This council will work to implement the City of Sanctuary pledges through its actions and policies, and with its partners in the statutory and voluntary sectors.
• This council is committed to support an initiative to make Shropshire a ‘Council of Sanctuary’’