Concerns of locals surrounding immigration were “disregarded, ignored and openly mocked”, as Newry, Mourne and Down District Council this week voted to press ahead with plans to seek ‘City of Sanctuary’ status.
That was the claim made on the floor of the Northern Ireland Assembly this week, just hours after the local authority had taken the vote.
South Down MLA Diane Forsythe also accused Newry, Mourne and Down District Council of issuing a public clarification on the City of Sanctuary move, but answering only the questions it felt needed to be answered, while failing to respond to those of local people.
The council had previously indicated that, at a meeting of its Active and Healthy Communities Committee on 15 September, councillors had “agreed to join the network and work towards formal recognition as a ‘Council of Sanctuary’.”
That decision was considered at a meeting of the full council on Monday night.
Now, after that vote to proceed, the DUP South Down MLA has said the council has taken a decision that would “severely affect” her constituency, raising the issue on the Assembly floor.
She said: “The majority of Newry, Mourne and Down District Council voted that Newry city and our district should become a city and council of sanctuary.
“Out of 41 councillors, the five DUP councillors have stood firm throughout in their opposition to that, alongside the single UUP councillor. However, they are hugely in the minority.
“The process by which we have arrived here is shameful. Time and again, we have seen the legitimate concerns of local people on issues surrounding immigration being disregarded, ignored and, in fact, openly mocked in council last night, which was another episode in an unfortunate series.
“The council decided to progress on that path. It did not provide answers or clear information to local councillors with concerns. There was no public consultation. The public learned of it in the press and had many questions.
“They went to councillors and to Council Direct and received nothing. The council then issued a scant ‘frequently asked questions’ document, answering the questions that the council decided needed to be answered — not those of the public.”
Ms Forsythe said a public meeting had been arranged, inviting the council to outline the plans and what they meant.
But she claimed the “council blocked the meeting and it did not occur”.
Said Ms Forsythe: “The people then took to the streets of Newry city to voice their concerns. Only two DUP councillors went along to speak and share the concerns of the wider public.”
The South Down MLA said the council needed to be “honest about the practicalities and costs of what it means for the people of the district”.
She continued: “We need to have the details to address the legitimate concerns that have been raised by many. Where people are ignored and silenced, trust is lost.
“Our DUP team has significant concerns about what the charter might mean for encouraging illegal immigrants to come to this country. It could create a barrier to the lawful and justified removal of those who come here illegally.
“The fact is that legitimate concerns are ignored and swept under the carpet time and again in the House and throughout councils. The lack of respect serves no good end.
“It is commonplace in our Sinn Féin-dominated council, where our unionist councillors, who are severely in the minority, are, time and again, shut out, cast aside and shown a huge lack of respect. Council needs to tread carefully. A council that ignores genuine concerns and local people is one that is destined for a difficult path.”
And Ms Forsythe concluded: “We in the DUP will always speak up on that, even if we stand alone. We will speak up for common sense and for the ratepayers of our district, who have legitimate concerns. They deserve to be heard.”
