Good news that Birmingham will retain its City of Sanctuary status! Many thanks to Friends who wrote to your local councillors – now not only do all new Councillors know about City of Sanctuary, but all Councillors know about the level of grassroots support.

CEQ Asylum Group highlighted that a motion was due to be considered by Birmingham City Council on Tuesday 14 July, proposing that the council withdraw from its Council of Sanctuary commitment. Birmingham City of Sanctuary set out their response to the motion, saying that it would not fix any of the problems facing Birmingham.

The motion was voted down during the meeting, with councillors from different party groups speaking about the good work that has been done through City of Sanctuary.

Friends wanting to explore wider issues around asylum in the UK are invited to join a workshop on the morning of Area Meeting on Sat 25th July at Warwick, led by Quaker Asylum and Refugee Network (QARN).