Bracknell's Sanctuary Status Sparks Local Outrage

Concerns have been raised after a mention of applying for "Council of Sanctuary" status appeared in Bracknell council papers prepared under Labour.

Opposition councillors say making Bracknell a sanctuary would pile extra pressure on already stretched housing, healthcare and other local services.

Sandhurst councillor John Edwards said he was "very concerned", warning the status is a "commitment to welcoming and accommodating asylum seekers and refugees" that would pose an "unacceptable risk to resident safety".

Labour leaders say there is no active bid. Councillor Georgia Pickering said the proposal was "incorrectly included" in upcoming papers and had not been agreed by cabinet.

She told The News: "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 cabinet. 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."

Bracknell Conservatives say formally declaring the borough a "Council of Sanctuary" would signal to Sir Keir Starmer the town wants large-scale resettlement of asylum seekers and refugees. Councillor Gareth Barnard called it "virtue signalling of the worst kind," saying it would waste resources and deliver no real benefit.

He added: "With housing, schools, GP surgeries and local services already stretched, this is deeply irresponsible." He also said: "It is a slap in the face for our residents who have always shown the true Bracknell Forest character - compassion and support when it is needed."

Councillor Edwards has submitted a motion to Sandhurst Town Council for debate on 25 June, and Reform UK councillors are expected to raise similar motions at other parish and town councils across Bracknell Forest.

Council of Sanctuary is part of the City of Sanctuary movement. It recognises councils that pledge to promote inclusion, improve access to services and support community cohesion for refugees and asylum seekers. Nearby Reading is already recognised as a place of sanctuary.

Ted O'Neill, Local Democracy Reporter