The motion was defeated by 38 votes to 37 at Wednesday evening’s full council meeting, prompting jubilant scenes among councillors who opposed it.
Reform argued that the City of Sanctuary scheme tied the council to a “political movement”. But the party acknowledged that withdrawing would not change the number of refugees and asylum seekers coming to Bradford or end the council’s responsibilities towards them.
Opposition councillors accused Reform of sending a divisive message and pointed to Bradford’s history of welcoming people fleeing war and persecution.
The accreditation costs the council £700 every three years. It aims to promote Bradford as a safe, tolerant city and supports work including directing refugees to English classes and other services, alongside hosting events for people seeking sanctuary.
Councillor Ian Walker, portfolio holder for neighbourhoods and communities, proposed the motion. He said services such as public health and safeguarding would continue regardless of the outcome.
“City of Sanctuary has a political agenda. That is why we are having this debate today,” he told councillors.
“The people of Wyke deserve to have their say, through me, as to whether they want to be affiliated with a political movement.”
He added: “City of Sanctuary is a political statement. To say we should be a place that is welcome to all sends a shiver down my spine.
“Putting Bradford people first is something we should all promote.”
Council leader Stephen Place backed the motion, arguing that Bradford could remain welcoming without retaining the accreditation.
“This is not a motion against compassion, humanity and helping people,” he said. “Bradford has a proud history of welcoming people from all over the world. That won’t change just because we reconsider this label.”
He added that council policies should be determined by elected councillors.
But Labour group leader Councillor Imran Khan said the proposal would make no practical difference to services and was instead about the message Bradford wanted to send.
“Are we still the Bradford that opened its doors to Jews fleeing Nazi Germany? Welcomed people from Spain fleeing fascism? Welcomed people from Afghanistan who were threatened by the Taliban?” he asked.
“People who have come here have become our friends, our colleagues, and in some cases our families. They have become part of Bradford and the city has become better for it.”
Green councillor Anna Watson, who represents Shipley, said withdrawing would tell refugees they were not wanted.
“That is not a message this Council wants to send,” she said.
Councillor Ishtiaq Ahmed, of Your Bradford Independent, accused Reform of bringing forward a motion copied from the national party.
“This is not about money, it is not about services, it is about sending a message that if you’re an outsider you’re not welcome in Bradford,” said the Heaton and Frizinghall councillor.
“Don’t fall for it, don’t let Bradford become a photocopy on a Reform Party press release.”
Independent councillor Joe Wheatley, who represents Bingley East, challenged individual Reform members over their support.
He pointed out that Councillor Sally Birch, of Windhill and Wrose, had welcomed Ukrainian refugees into her home in 2022. Addressing Royds councillor Tony Wooffitt, whose declaration of interests lists him as a churchwarden, he quoted Matthew 25:35: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Liberal Democrat councillor Alun Griffiths, of Idle and Thackley, also opposed the motion, saying he wanted no part in the message it would send.
The Conservatives initially proposed delaying a decision so a report could be considered by a council scrutiny committee.
“This should be further scrutinised before we throw the baby out with the bathwater,” said Councillor David Ford, who represents Baildon.
That amendment was defeated, leaving councillors to vote on Reform’s proposal.
Every Reform councillor voted in favour. Conservatives were split, with some supporting the motion, some abstaining and Wharfedale councillor Peter Cochrane voting against.
Councillors from all other parties opposed it. The final tally, 37 in favour and 38 against, left Bradford’s sanctuary status intact.
