TUC calls on Sunak to give Yorkshire the money to be a Sanctuary Region

The TUC in Yorkshire has today (Wednesday) called on the government to provide emergency funding for local councils and mayors to welcome and support Afghan asylum seekers fleeing the country.

TUC Regional Secretary Bill Adams said:  

“Yorkshire has a long history of welcoming those in need. From the early migrations of Irish and Scots during the industrial revolution, to Polish miners and the Windrush generation.

“We must offer a safe haven to those fleeing persecution.

“That is why I welcome Mayor Brabin’s commitment to welcoming refugees to West Yorkshire, and I am today calling on local councils and mayors to immediately and publicly commit to offering sanctuary to Afghan asylum seekers across our region.

“And the Westminster government must not hold us back. I am calling on Rishi Sunak to offer emergency funding to all councils offering safe haven before the day is out.

“I hope he feels the duty to help his own region do the right thing. The clock is ticking.

“This is not a political problem. It is a moral duty, to offer sanctuary and ensure those being persecuted in Afghanistan, including trade union leaders, can claim asylum in the UK. Trade unionists know this. It’s what we do.”

ENDS