The London council that is home to the UK Government has become ‘borough of sanctuary’ for refugees and asylum seekers.

Westminster City Council recently signed off on its strategy to join the ‘borough of sanctuary movement’ – a national award recognising councils that go beyond their statutory duties to welcome and support people seeking sanctuary.

The council said the move means migrants who are placed or find themselves living in central London will more easily be able to access health support, safe homes and have better opportunities for education.

It said its strategy “sets out a compassionate, coordinated approach to help people who have been forced to flee their homes feel safe, supported and able to rebuild their lives in Westminster”.

The council has spent three years writing its strategy after committing to become a borough of sanctuary in 2023.

Councillor Geoff Barraclough told local media: “In London and more widely, at time when fascism is on the rise all over the world, it’s important that people stand up and be counted, and today, Westminster stands up and is counted.”

Fifteen London boroughs are now a part of initiative along with 63 more across the UK.

Almost half of Westminster residents are from diverse y backgrounds and over a quarter do not speak English as their main language, according to the 2021 census. More than a third hold a non-UK passport.

The council said that Westminster had the highest rate of international migration in England, with more than 20,000 residents arriving over the past two years – making up ten per cent of the borough’s population.

To write its strategy, the council consulted a number of migrant support groups, including refugees supported by the Homes for Ukraine Program, people seeking asylum placed in Westminster by the Home Office and teams involved in the Afghan resettlement program.

Council Leader Adam Hug said the current political climate in the UK and across the globe had exacerbated the difficulty and hardship faced by people seeking asylum.

“We recognise the challenges and complexities involved with seeking sanctuary and that these people are already some of the most vulnerable in our society,” he said.

“We know that our city has been enriched by different cultures and ways of life and that Westminster would not be the same without their invaluable contribution to our society.

“We thank our amazing voluntary sector organisations and community groups who help us look after those in need.

“It is Westminster City Council’s promise is that we will listen to communities, and work in partnership with displaced peoples to ensure a compassionate and trauma-informed response, rooted in the lived experience of asylum seekers and refugees whilst they are living or placed in our borough,” Mr Hug said.