Fleur Anderson Hosts Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees Event

Celebrating Borough of Sanctuary designation in parliament

Fleur Anderson with attendees at the event

November 22, 2024

Fleur Anderson, Member of Parliament for Putney, has recently welcomed 80 guests into Parliament to celebrate Wandsworth’s newly awarded Borough of Sanctuary status.

The event, held in the Jubilee Room, brought together a diverse group of local leaders, organisations, and community members.

Among the speakers at the reception were Councillor Sarmila Varatharaj, Wandsworth’s Refugees Champion, Councillor Kemi Akinola, Cabinet Member for Business, Voluntary Sector, and Culture, and Penny Rogers from Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees.

The Borough of Sanctuary designation was a key aim of Wandsworth’s Sanctuary Strategy which has also seen the establishment of the £200,000 Sanctuary Community Fund.

This fund will support local voluntary and community sector organisations with grants of up to £10,000, helping them with community integration, expanding capacity, and celebrating the vital contributions of refugees and asylum seekers.

Wandsworth’s Refugee Services Team, which includes 21 dedicated workers speaking over 15 different languages, has been instrumental in providing essential support to refugees. The borough has welcomed more than 1,000 Ukrainian refugees, the second most in any London borough, and the fifth most in any English unitary authority.

Fleur Anderson MP said, “I helped set up Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees 4 years ago, and to see the organisation go from strength to strength has been wonderful. I am so proud that in Wandsworth, we know our diversity is our strength and that it is our duty to give refugees and asylum seekers a warm welcome to our communities. To see Wandsworth designated as a Borough of Sanctuary is a fantastic milestone in how far we’ve come, and there is still much work to do. It was a fantastic celebration this evening."

Councillor Samila Varatharaj praised the work done so far, stating, "This accreditation is a major recognition of the work Wandsworth has done to date and what more we plan to do, because Wandsworth is a place that is safe and welcoming to everyone. It doesn’t matter who you are, or where you’re coming from. You do have a place here in Wandsworth that you can call a home."

Councillor Kemi Akinola added,: "I’m incredibly proud that the compassionate and collaborative approach of our administration is making a difference, and that this has been recognised by City of Sanctuary UK. Wandsworth is a welcoming place for people seeking asylum and refugees – and this accreditation is recognition that the residents of Wandsworth, alongside Wandsworth Council, have welcomed those seeking sanctuary with open arms. This is another example of Wandsworth becoming a fairer, more compassionate borough for everyone."

The Wandsworth Migration Forum, a collaborative effort involving key organisations like the NHS, JobCentre Plus, and local voluntary sector groups, tries to ensure that the voices of sanctuary seekers and the voluntary sector are heard.

Wandsworth Welcomes Refugees, the organisers of the Parliamentary celebration who are a local voluntary group affiliated with City of Sanctuary, said, "We are impressed with the changes in the Council that really could help meet the needs of those who come here fleeing violence and persecution. We believe the new teams and services will benefit the whole Borough through the commitment to growing safe and welcoming communities. Wandsworth has always prided itself on being a welcoming Borough, and the work in the last two years means this will be more than just a slogan."

The reception also included a tour of Westminster Hall, providing attendees with the chance to explore the historic venue after the speeches concluded.