She was speaking following the passing of a proposal at Full Council last night (6 October) deciding that the council would join the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network, working towards formally being recognised as a ‘Council of Sanctuary’.

Cllr Howie has said: “People arrive here sometimes in the most difficult and heartbreaking of circumstances, and we must do what we can to welcome them and help them integrate into the community.

“This involves taking proactive steps to support the amazing work already happening on the ground in our community and voluntary sector, and dismantling barriers to allow refugees and asylum seekers to become fully contributive members of our society. All that is underpinned and reaffirmed by the progress made to become a recognised Council of Sanctuary, and we welcome this move.

“The unfounded rhetoric from others in the chamber around this, referring to a supposed ‘immigration crisis’, as well as some of the targeting of representatives we’ve seen online in the run-up to this debate, have been incredibly disappointing, bordering on dangerous. This is not about illegal immigration, and all politicians have a duty to be mindful of the language they use and what impact it may have.”