Council reaffirms ‘City of Sanctuary’ status in near-unanimous vote
SWANSEA COUNCIL has voted overwhelmingly to reaffirm its commitment to being a City of Sanctuary and to tackle misinformation about asylum seekers and refugees — a move described by campaigners as “a vote for hope, not hate.”
The Notice of Motion on Social Cohesion, brought by councillors from across Labour, Liberal Democrat and Conservative groups, passed on Wednesday evening (Nov 6) with only two councillors voting against. Those opposing were Reform UK’s Francesca O’Brien, who represents Mumbles, and one independent councillor.
The motion states that the council “notes with concern the rise of misinformation and misconceptions relating to asylum and migration,” and recognises the contribution that refugees and those granted leave to remain make to local services, including health and social care. It also reaffirms Swansea’s identity as a City of Sanctuary and commits councillors to promoting equality, tackling racism, and engaging constructively with local communities.
Veteran Conservative councillor Lyndon Jones and his group voted with Labour and the Liberal Democrats, despite Welsh Conservative Senedd leader Darren Millar’s criticism of the Welsh Government’s Nation of Sanctuary policy.
Seaview School controversy
The debate follows recent controversy over Seaview Primary School in Mayhill, after false claims were circulated on social media suggesting the school had banned Christmas celebrations to avoid offending Muslim pupils.
The claims, which were swiftly debunked by both the school and Swansea Council, were condemned by community leaders as Islamophobic and damaging to local cohesion. Anti-racism campaigners accused Reform UK councillor Francesca O’Brien of amplifying those claims, which she has denied.
During Wednesday’s meeting, councillors said the Social Cohesion motion was intended to push back against misinformation of that kind and to reaffirm Swansea’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive city.
Focus on refugees from war
The Nation of Sanctuary programme in Wales provides coordinated support for refugees and asylum seekers, but the majority of those arriving in recent years have been Ukrainian families fleeing the war.
Under the Welsh Government’s Homes for Ukraine scheme, thousands of displaced people have been housed across Wales, with councils including Swansea providing accommodation, language support, and community integration services.
Unlike asylum seekers, most Ukrainian refugees are granted the immediate right to work, access healthcare, and enrol in schools, helping them contribute to local life and the economy while rebuilding their lives in safety.
Following the vote, Reform UK issued a statement criticising the Conservatives for “leaving the playing field on illegal immigration.” Cllr O’Brien said she voted against the motion to represent “working families in Swansea who think our laws matter, our borders matter, and our safety matters.”
However, the anti-racism organisation Stand Up To Racism Swansea praised the outcome, describing it as “a vote for anti-racism and a defence of the Nation of Sanctuary supporting asylum seekers and refugees.” The group said councillors had sent “a clear message that bigotry and misinformation have no place in our city.”
wansea became the first City of Sanctuary in Wales in 2010, pledging to foster a culture of welcome and support for people fleeing war or persecution. That pioneering move inspired other local authorities, including Cardiff, Newport and Wrexham, to adopt similar commitments to inclusion and community safety.
The motion commits the council to continuing its anti-racism work, strengthening community cohesion, and ensuring all councillors undertake equality and inclusion training.
