Bracknell Rejects Sanctuary Status Amid Backlash

Bracknell will not become an official 'place of sanctuary' for people fleeing persecution, after centre-right politicians opposed the idea and Labour said it was not pursuing the scheme.

Bracknell Conservatives criticised the plan online and warned it could open the floodgates to uncontrolled dispersal programmes - though the LDRS understands the scheme was never on the table in Bracknell.

The "Council of Sanctuary" project from City of Sanctuary UK recognises councils that commit to welcoming refugees and asylum seekers, promoting inclusion, improving access to services and strengthening community cohesion. Reading Borough Council has achieved the status and works with charities to support refugees.

Bracknell's Labour administration says there is no plan to introduce the scheme and that it was included in papers in error.

Cllr John Edwards, a Reform supporter who sits as an independent in Sandhurst, has posted twice on Facebook about sanctuary status and plans to debate it at Sandhurst town council next week.

Cllr Gareth Barnard, leader of the Bracknell Conservative Group, criticised the idea and warned of local pressures. He said: "With housing, schools, GP surgeries and local services already stretched, this is deeply irresponsible."

He also urged public action: "The Conservative Group is urging local people to contact their councillors and make their voices heard before it's too late."

Bracknell Labour continued to deny plans for the policy. Cllr Georgia Pickering (Labour) said: "Sanctuary Status is a national programme for councils to promote inclusion within existing communities in the borough. The scheme was incorrectly included in upcoming papers before it had been considered by the cabinet."

She added: "The cabinet will not be putting forward a motion for sanctuary status, and will continue to focus on locally-driven integration initiatives which are more appropriate for our borough."

Conservative Cllr John Harrison warned of wider impacts, saying: "In contrast, a 'Council of Sanctuary' risks opening the floodgates to uncontrolled dispersal programmes without any proper regard for local resources."

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter