Tim Farron told Yorkshire and Humber Lib Dem regional conference of his visit to Lesbos and the need for Britain to support those seeking sanctuary. “Britain can do better” he said
The conference then agreed a motion “Welcoming Refugees in Yorkshire and Humber” at their annual Conference in Leeds. It was moved by Leeds NE Member and past General Election candidate Aquila Choudry.
It noted the ongoing refugee crisis and referred to the Liberal Democrat Policy Creating Safe and Legal Routes for Refugees” passed at the 2015 Autumn Conference.
It referred to the generosity of councils, individuals and groups across Yorkshire but expressed concern that the UK Government is not taking part in the EU resettlement programme. Also noting the negative rhetoric of some Ministers and incorrect terminology used by some parts of the media.
It asked Liberal Democrats in the Region to stand up for the rights of and support refugees in the Region and to remember the words spoken to a Lib Dem member by a former asylum seeker.
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Other speakers included: Jacquie Bell, Council member of Liberal Democrats for Seekers of Sanctuary and past Candidate for Skipton and Ripon who spoke of the work of the group in promoting a more humane approach towards those seeking sanctuary and a co-ordinated approach to resettling those due to be coming to the UK.: Mike Reynolds from Sheffield who spoke of the work of the Sheffield City of Sanctuary Group: Mick Taylor who spoke of his mother who had come to the UK as a child refugee.