Sanctuary bid opposers heckle council leader
LDRS/Ian DuncanA council leader said he would not be "shouted down" by those against the area becoming a "place of sanctuary" for asylum seekers, domestic abuse victims and others.
Despite confirming its support twice, Cumberland councillors debated a petition opposing the bid, which raised more than a thousand signatures.
Organiser Josh Kirkwood cited national examples where asylum seekers had committed serious crimes, saying councillors should "serve the people not follow the party lines".
Labour leader Mark Fryer said more residents supported the bid than opposed it, to outbursts from a packed public gallery. Councillors formally noted the petition but did not make any changes.
The petition, entitled "the citizens of Carlisle and Cumberland object the city and council of sanctuary status", contained 1,883 signatures, of which 1,112 were from the council area, which meant it exceeded the threshold to be debated, a report said.
At the meeting on Tuesday, Kirkwood told members: "There are deep tensions in the Carlisle community."
LDRS/Ian DuncanFryer said the move to apply for sanctuary status had been unanimously passed by all the council's political groups.
He said the council should listen to all opinions and consider the evidence, however, when there were outbursts from the packed public gallery, he said: "I won't be shouted down by anybody."
Members agreed to note the contents of the petition.
Speaking after the decision, Kirkwood told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: "I don't think we were listened to."
The local authority said joining the charity City of Sanctuary UK's network would reflect its dedication to "creating an inclusive and supportive environment".
It said it had already submitted an application for the Council of Sanctuary award, following the confirmation of council's intent in January.
The council previously denied claims it would lead to more asylum seekers in the area, or more money being spent on services for them.