Government-imposed restrictions on immigration have been slammed amid a debate about anti-racism in Reading.
The Labour government has introduced a string of measures to curb legal immigration to fulfil a manifesto promise to end a reliance on overseas workers.
But questions have been raised over how this aligns with anti-racism and the status of Reading as a ‘City of Sanctuary’ for refugees.
In a question at the last full meeting of Reading Borough Council, Kaisa Nikulina (Green, Katesgrove) asked: “Reading has long prided itself on being a City of Sanctuary, and councillors across parties have supported the principle that people fleeing war and persecution should be welcomed and supported in our town.
“This is something that many residents and community organisations in Reading care deeply about and it forms an important part of our identity as a diverse, compassionate and outward-looking Borough.
“Amid the Labour government’s has recently proposed immigration changes, including proposals to reduce refugee status to 30 months, extend settlement routes to 10 years and introduce restrictions affecting nationals of countries such as Afghanistan and Sudan, could the council leader outline what representations, if any, she has made to the government regarding the impact these policies may have on people seeking sanctuary in Reading?
“And does she believe that demonstrating moral leadership as an anti-racist City of Sanctuary also means being prepared to challenge national policies when they appear to undermine those same values?”
The government has also restricted student visas from Cameroon and Myanmar.
The question preceded a debate an adoption of an anti-racism statement on March 24.
Replying, Liz Terry (Labour, Coley), the council leader said: “Reading is a welcoming town and the announcement that the council was formally recognised as a Council of Sanctuary by City of Sanctuary UK, marks a significant achievement in our ongoing commitment to welcoming, supporting, and empowering people.
“Reading has a long history of welcoming people fleeing conflict and persecution.
“As a City of Sanctuary, our identity is rooted in inclusivity, compassion and anti-racism, and we remain committed to working with residents, partners and community organisations to uphold these principles.
“However, I am concerned that your question oversimplifies complex issues. Anti-racism is about opposing discrimination based on race or ethnicity. Refugee policy involves law, capacity, security and humanitarian obligations.
“Where national proposals may affect people seeking sanctuary in Reading, the council use established channels – including the Local Government Association, our MPs, formal government consultations and regional asylum and resettlement networks – to raise concerns about the potential impact on vulnerable individuals, on local services, and on the alignment of national policy with fairness, protection and long-term integration.
“I have personally spoken to the MPs representing Reading regarding my concerns about the impact of some of the proposed changes, so yes, Cllr Nikulina, I do believe that demonstrating moral leadership also means being prepared to challenge national policies when they appear to undermine these values.”
