Mid Sussex District Council’s meeting on Wednesday expressed it pride in the UK tradition of providing sanctuary to refugees who have been displaced by conflict and persecution. Members from all parties voted for a Liberal Democrat motion acknowledging that the issue of asylum and international migration is a highly complex issue without simple solutions. Whilst issues relating to asylum seekers can be controversial it is important that whatever our opinions that we not use dehumanising language and recognise that asylum seekers have just as much right to safety, family, and opportunity. I was pleased the motion passed with support from some Conservative councillors after a similar motion was agreed at West Sussex County Council put forward by Liberal Democrat Kirsty Lord.
Speaking after the debate in the County Council. Cllr Lord said, “When we look beyond the lurid media headlines, we find local government, foster families and humanitarian charities working tirelessly to help give some of the most vulnerable people on the planet a new start. I am proud to be a member of a council that has gone above and beyond its minimum statutory obligations. It is a very polarised time in politics, especially on issues like this. However County Councillors have shown leadership and demonstrated that we can hold different views but still find common ground in our commitment to treating refugees and asylum seekers with dignity, compassion and respect, and I was pleased to hear that the Council is looking at how to extend some of the funding in this area beyond June 2021.
The motions are one element of a month of awareness raising about the plight of refugees that is being led by the Liberal Democrat District Councillor Benedict Dempsey will led a debate at Mid Sussex District Council on the need to treat asylum seekers and refugees with dignity, compassion and respect and throughout September, a team of Liberal Democrats have been taking part in the Red Cross’s ‘Miles for Refugees’ sponsored event. By running, cycling, and walking hundreds of miles, they hope to raise more than £2,000. Support the campaign here – https://miles-for-refugees-2020.everydayhero.com/uk/mid-sussex-lib-dems