A flagship London council has signed off its strategy to become a “borough of sanctuary” for refugees and asylum seekers.
Westminster City Council said its plan means migrants who are placed or find themselves living in central London will more easily be able to access health support, safe homes and have better opportunities for education.
The town hall has spent almost three years writing its strategy after committing to become a “borough of sanctuary” in March 2023.
Councillor Geoff Barraclough told a Westminster cabinet meeting this week: “In London and more widely, at time when Fascism is on the rise all over the world, it's important that people stand up and be counted, and today, Westminster stands up and is counted.”
The council said its “strategy sets out a compassionate, coordinated approach to help people who have been forced to flee their homes feel safe, supported and able to rebuild their lives in Westminster”.
Fifteen London boroughs are now a part of initiative.
Almost half of Westminster residents are from minority backgrounds and over a quarter do not speak English as their main language, according to the 2021 census. More than a third hold a non-UK passport.
In its report, the local authority said that as of 2024 Westminster has the highest rate of international migration in England, with more than 20,000 residents arriving over the past two years - making up 10 per cent of the borough’s population.
To write its strategy, the council consulted a number of migrant support groups, including refugees supported by the Homes for Ukraine Programme, people seeking asylum placed in Westminster by the Home Office and teams involved in the Afghan resettlement programme.
Leader of Westminster Council Adam Hug said: “We are all too aware that the current political climate has exacerbated the difficulty and hardship faced by those seeking asylum.
“We recognise the challenges and complexities involved with seeking sanctuary and that these people are already some of the most vulnerable in our society.
“We know that our city has been enriched by different cultures and ways of life and that Westminster would not be the same without their invaluable contribution to our society.
“We thank our amazing voluntary sector organisations and community groups who help us look after those in need.
“It is Westminster City Council’s promise that we will listen to communities, and work in partnership with displaced peoples to ensure a compassionate and trauma-informed response, rooted in the lived experience of asylum seekers and refugees whilst they are living or placed in our borough.”
