Reform UK fails to overturn Hertfordshire's sanctuary status decision

An attempt by Reform UK councillors to force Hertfordshire County Council to rethink its decision to apply for Council of Sanctuary status has been unsuccessful.

The council's scrutiny committee rejected a proposal from Reform UK and an unaligned Conservative councillor, aimed at reconsidering the decision made by the Liberal Democrat-led council last month.

Reform UK members argued that the public was not adequately consulted and claimed that misleading information regarding costs was distributed.

Council of Sanctuary status is awarded by the City of Sanctuary charity, which can take around a year to acquire and costs £2,700.

The Liberal Democrat members contended that the correct procedures were followed and emphasised that the costs involved would be minimal.

A petition against the Council of Sanctuary status received over 16,000 signatures.

Reform UK councillor Saul Jacob expressed concerns over unsubstantiated timelines and cost implications.

Ajanta Hilton, council's executive member for public safety, defended the decision, citing the framework's advantages in efficiently directing funds already allocated for asylum support.

Ultimately, the committee decided by seven votes to five in favour of maintaining the decision.

Hertfordshire County Council say sanctuary status does not have anything to do with and cannot impact immigration policy or who comes to Hertfordshire and these decision are made by the UK government.