Refugees Welcome in North Wales

TCC successfully campaigned for Syrian refugees to be welcomed to North Wales through the Syrian Vulnerable Person's Relocation Scheme.  The scheme is fully funded by central government, and offers a home to the most vulnerable people currently in refugee camps in countries neighbouring Syria.

TCC has been campaigning for the Council to welcome refugees, and in May 2016 10 local leaders were at the Executive Board meeting to hear the good news.  Councillors thanked TCC for their involvement, and a round of applause sounded out from campaigners when the vote was passed unanimously.

The decision came a day after TCC published an open letter to the Council, asking for urgent action.  The letter was signed by the Bishop of St. Asaph, the Bishop of Wrexham, and 18 other local faith and community leaders, and offered to work with the Council to make sure refugees are truly welcomed to the local community.

Speaking immediately after the meeting, TCC leader Menna Davies said "We're thrilled with the decision today - we've been asking the Council to play its part, and feel this is a great first step.”

“However, we believe that Wrexham really could do more.  We heard today about the fantastic work the Council is doing to support children in Wrexham, but over 1.5 million children have been forced to leave their homes in Syria and are now in a dire situation.  We feel Wrexham could really lead the way in Wales and welcome a greater number of people."

Councillors made mention of some of the negative comments made by a minority of the public.  In response to this TCC’s lead organiser Kay Polley said “What is clear from speaking to people in our members groups is that the vast majority of people really support welcoming refugees.  They understand how people have been forced from their homes through no fault of their own, and now need assistance.” 

“TCC’s faith and community groups have committed to working with the council to dispel any fears and myths around refugees.  For example, people may not be aware that the scheme is fully funded, so accepting refugees won’t cost the council anything at all.  Or that we’re actually only going to be welcoming a very small number of people. “

“We know that once people are welcomed to Wrexham, they can make a fantastic contribution to our communities.”