South Wales Central MS Andrew RT Davies has called on Senedd ministers to drop their plans to make Wales a Nation of Sanctuary for asylum seekers, after they issued a statement confirming they were “proud” of the policy.
Mr Davies described the plan as “highly irresponsible” and warned that it would encourage more people to come to Britain illegally.
The statement follows Plaid, Labour and “Llantwit First” councillors in the Vale of Glamorgan decision to vote in favour of making the area a “County of Sanctuary” for asylum seekers, a move opposed by local Conservatives.
Mr Davies said:
“Illegal migration poses huge problems for our communities. Not only does it place unsustainable pressures on our public services, it also leads to an increased risk of crime.
“The message must be clear: if you are in Britain illegally, you are not welcome here and you will be removed.
“But Plaid, Labour and the Lib Dems’ Nation of Sanctuary policy delivers the opposite. Not only does it openly advertise asylum seekers’ entitlements to housing and services, resources are allocated towards helping them access them.
“Various organisations are also funded which provide people with legal advice and assistance to avoid deportation.
“But in the past week, Plaid and Labour have doubled down on the policy, both in the Vale of Glamorgan Council and in the Senedd.
“I have long opposed this highly irresponsible policy, which goes against the needs and wishes of people in the Vale of Glamorgan.
“Both the Nation and County of Sanctuary must be scrapped.”
ENDS
NOTE: Link to the statement can be found here
https://www.gov.wales/written-statement-nation-sanctuary-people-placed-wales