Overview
- Councillors voted 34–10 to reject a motion that sought to withdraw from the initiative at a heavily attended meeting in Carlisle.
- Security closed the public gallery due to overcrowding as pro- and anti-immigration demonstrators gathered inside and outside the Civic Centre.
- The vote allows the authority to move ahead with a formal application to the City of Sanctuary Local Authority Network and to embed related strategies across services.
- Guidance cited by officials states sanctuary status does not affect asylum decisions or placements, which are determined by the UK Government.
- Supporters say the framework strengthens planning and charity partnerships, while opponents, including Cllr Gareth Ellis, claim it could act as a pull factor.