Refugees and asylum seekers living in Birmingham have voiced their distress following a contentious motion by Reform UK councillors seeking to remove the city’s ‘City of Sanctuary’ status. Reform UK, now the largest party on Birmingham City Council, proposed that the council withdraw from this program and reject involvement in a new voluntary refugee sponsorship scheme.
The proposal, which met with fierce opposition from other political groups and refugee supporters, was debated at a heated council meeting on Tuesday evening. Reform councillors Graham Green and Cherie Waddingham argued that Birmingham faces serious challenges, including housing shortages, strained local services, and financial pressures, stating the council’s primary responsibility is to Birmingham residents and delivering public services effectively.
Despite their arguments, the motion was defeated in the council vote. However, the debate stirred significant anxiety among Birmingham’s refugee community — many of whom see ‘City of Sanctuary’ as a vital source of support and belonging.
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Algar Goredema-Braid, a Zimbabwean migrant who has called Birmingham home for nearly 40 years, reflected on the city’s drastic shift in attitude toward refugees. “We were very welcome then. People prospered, and you weren’t afraid to say where you were from. It’s heartbreaking now to witness divisions and prejudice based on colour or accent,” she shared. “I’m proud to be both Zimbabwean and Brummie.”
Charley Jacobs, originally from South Africa, described the scheme as empowering for refugees like herself. “Being part of City of Sanctuary gave me a voice and confidence to build my identity here,” she said. Jacobs warned that ending the scheme would leave many vital contributors—carers, doctors, and more—without support, causing serious damage to the community fabric.
Virginia Njenga, from East Africa, echoed similar sentiments, expressing that the scheme makes her feel “safe, wanted, and welcome.” “Diversity is our strength,” she said, emphasizing that welcoming refugees benefits the entire city.
Others, including Nigerian migrant Temitayo Ajayi and Mansour Masoud, who moved to Birmingham in 2019 and 2017 respectively, spoke of the warmth and care they received under City of Sanctuary. “Being in this city made me feel part of the community,” Masoud said. “Refugees want to contribute and give back.”
Refugees from Algeria and Albania also expressed pride in Birmingham’s sanctuary status, lamenting the idea of making the city less welcoming.
Shari Brown, chair of Birmingham City of Sanctuary, described the program as a “wonderful and symbolic statement” that benefits everyone by promoting values of inclusion and compassion. She emphasized that funds for asylum seeker support are ringfenced and withdrawing from the scheme would not address housing or service pressures. “Compassion and fiscal responsibility can complement each other,” Brown said, urging the council to continue embracing vulnerable people.
Reform councillors defended their motion, with Graham Green citing mismanagement under previous Labour leadership, and Jex Parkin insisting their priority is efficient public service delivery for Birmingham residents.
Other political leaders vigorously opposed the motion. Labour’s Cllr Nicky Brennan highlighted that refusing refugee programs does not free up funds for housing or services—it simply removes them from Birmingham. Independent Cllr Nosheen Khalid condemned turning vulnerable people into political pawns, while Liberal Democrat Cllr Izzy Knowles dismissed arguments linking ‘City of Sanctuary’ to the housing crisis. The Conservative group also pushed an amendment to end sanctuary status, citing overcrowded housing lists, but the original motion was ultimately rejected.
The strong response from across Birmingham’s political and community spectrum signals continued commitment to supporting refugees and upholding the city’s inclusive identity amid ongoing challenges.