Weston-super-Mare residents are affected by rising bills, a housing crisis, rundown services and the loss of many local shops. We know that these issues are the result of multiple factors; in particular, a halving of local government funding alongside a global economic crisis. They are not caused by people who have fled here from often desperate situations, including human rights abuses and ongoing conflicts.

We know that the UK has legal obligations to initially accept and assess people seeking asylum from other countries and we appreciate that Weston Town Council and North Somerset Council have no control over the number of asylum seekers that the Home Office may place locally.

We understand that the process to become a Council of Sanctuary would enable local residents to discuss any concerns they may have about issues which the Town Council has control over, and to identify any benefits which sanctuary accreditation might bring to the community.

We therefore call upon Weston Town Council to explore the option of becoming a Council of Sanctuary but, regardless of whether this is the approach agreed upon, to:

• work with local community groups and residents to find ways to ensure that all people who arrive in our town are made to feel welcome, wherever they come from, and
• extend compassion and empathy to all those who come to our town having fled war and persecution.

Sign this petition to show that you want Weston to be a welcoming place for all.

This petition is sponsored by Weston and North Somerset Trade Unions Council which is a network of trade union members who live and/or work in the area.