Last week, Southwark welcomed its 400th refugee family under the UK Government’s refugee resettlement scheme.
The milestone was reached on the one-year anniversary of Southwark being accredited as a Borough of Sanctuary, in recognition the pioneering work being done by the Council and the community to welcome those who have fled the most difficult of circumstances.
These 400 families are in addition to nearly 600 Ukrainians, who have been supported under the Homes for Ukraine scheme, and nearly 800 families with ‘No Recourse to Public Funds’ – meaning they are unable to claim any benefits from the government – supported since 2022.
Southwark Labour stands with refugees and passionately believes that diversity makes us stronger, and Labour-run Southwark Council continues to support families who seek refuge in our borough.
The milestone was marked by a motion at July Council Assembly to celebrate Southwark’s diversity, which received unanimous, cross-party support.
Celebrating this milestone, Cllr Jasmine Ali, Labour Deputy Leader and spokesperson for children, education and refugees, said:
“Actions speak louder than words. With 400 refugees settled in Southwark under the refugee settlement scheme, Southwark Labour has proven our continued support for families who seek sanctuary, and we will continue to do so.
“Where rhetoric overseas and across our country seeks to demonise those who seek refuge in the UK, we say there is more that unites us than divides us and refugees are welcome in Southwark. Southwark council represents every single person that lives in Southwark – and we always will.
“The united Southwark that we envisage for our future pays no heed to national origin, religion, culture or creed – because we are forging together the borough and city of the future – drawing on the very best of every one of our citizens.
“That is Southwark Labour’s vision for Britain“