Misinformation and Political Pressure Force Weston-super-Mare to Abandon Refugee Sanctuary Plan

Published: 05 October ‘2025. the English Chronicle Desk

Weston-super-Mare, the quintessential Victorian seaside town known for its long sandy beaches, historic pier, and lively summer atmosphere, has found itself at the centre of a heated political and social controversy. Once celebrated for its charm and community spirit, the town has recently been deeply divided over a proposal to become a council of sanctuary—a designation aimed at improving support for refugees and asylum seekers while fostering inclusion and social cohesion. Despite initial approval, the plan was ultimately abandoned following an intense campaign of misinformation and political pressure that has left lasting divisions within the community.

The proposal, put forward by Liberal Democrat councillor Caroline Reynolds in March, aimed to formalize Weston-super-Mare’s commitment to providing support for refugees and asylum seekers through the City of Sanctuary UK network. The initiative is designed to help local authorities improve coordination, awareness, and access to services for new arrivals, but it has no bearing on the numbers of refugees placed in the town, which remains a decision made by the Home Office. The cost of participation for the council is minimal, set at £150 per year for a three-year term.

However, the scheme quickly became the target of a vigorous social media campaign spearheaded by the local branch of Reform UK, a political party with no elected representatives in Weston-super-Mare. Reform’s posts repeatedly claimed that joining the sanctuary network would lead to a surge of “illegal immigrants” and divert taxpayers’ money from public services. These claims were firmly refuted by City of Sanctuary UK and by supporters of the scheme, who maintained that the program would enhance community integration rather than increase migration levels or financial burdens.

The campaign mobilized public protests, drawing around 200 people to the town hall on the night the council motion was first voted on. Supporters of the proposal faced verbal abuse and harassment, and councillors in favour of the sanctuary initiative, including Reynolds, received threatening messages and emails from constituents. One particularly alarming message warned that “illegals” could commit crimes against their families, reflecting the tense and fear-driven atmosphere surrounding the debate.

Reynolds explained that misinformation began almost immediately after the motion was published. The narrative propagated by Reform included exaggerated claims about grooming gangs, excessive migrant arrivals, and the influence of left-wing organizations. This misinformation intensified public opposition, leading some councillors who initially supported the plan to reconsider their positions. Ultimately, by late September, the council announced that the sanctuary proposal would be abandoned, marking what City of Sanctuary UK described as a first in England where a council reversed its decision after initially voting in favour.

Community members and supporters of the sanctuary initiative expressed disappointment and frustration at the outcome. Holly Law, a Weston-super-Mare resident for 15 years, spoke at the council meeting, urging officials to maintain the town’s reputation as welcoming and inclusive. Law criticized the impact of misinformation, noting that “intelligent councillors” had been swayed by false narratives, undermining the town’s potential for positive social action.

Tensions surrounding the debate have also led to incidents of suspected hate crimes. Avon and Somerset police are investigating a late August incident in which a café was vandalized with racist stickers. Although no arrests have been made, the event underscores the heightened community tensions that accompanied the sanctuary proposal.

The political dimension of the campaign was significant. Reform UK’s local branch amplified its activity on social media, presenting the sanctuary plan as a threat to taxpayers and public services, and linking asylum support to broader claims about mass migration. Oliver Hargreaves, chair of the Weston branch, defended the party’s actions, asserting that the sanctuary initiative could facilitate future migration and influence local media to promote positive stories about asylum seekers. City of Sanctuary UK rejected these claims, noting that the organization’s requirements for councils involve awareness-raising and inclusion rather than media control or immigration management.

Data on migration levels in Weston-super-Mare contradict many of Reform’s claims. The town, with a population of around 83,000, has historically experienced lower-than-average levels of migration. In 2021, 10.4% of the population was born outside the UK, while 6.7% identified as “non-UK.” The town’s demographic composition remains predominantly white, with Asian, Black, Muslim, Sikh, and Jewish communities far below national averages. Nevertheless, Reform’s narrative emphasized hypothetical future increases in migration and framed the sanctuary initiative as an imminent threat to the town’s character and public services.

Local Labour MP Dan Aldridge criticized the campaign for spreading misinformation and creating fear among residents. Aldridge highlighted instances where visitors to the town were incorrectly identified as asylum seekers and harassed, emphasizing that such behaviour damages Weston-super-Mare’s reputation as a welcoming community. While Aldridge did not explicitly endorse the sanctuary award, he noted that the town already functions as a de facto sanctuary, providing support and integration services to newcomers without needing formal recognition.

Despite the controversy, supporters remain hopeful. Reynolds and others have received encouragement from residents who oppose the narrative of fear and misinformation, reinforcing that a vocal minority does not represent the majority sentiment in Weston-super-Mare. Maggie Filipova-Rivers, programme manager for City of Sanctuary UK, acknowledged the challenges of promoting inclusivity amid political polarization but emphasized that the practical work of supporting refugees and asylum seekers continues, independent of public controversy.

The Weston-super-Mare episode highlights the complex interplay between local politics, social media influence, and public perception in shaping policy outcomes. It serves as a cautionary tale about how misinformation campaigns can derail community initiatives, even in towns with a history of social cohesion and tolerance. For advocates of inclusivity and refugee support, the experience underscores the importance of clear communication, community engagement, and resilience in the face of politically motivated opposition.

As the town moves forward, supporters of the sanctuary initiative remain committed to fostering understanding, empathy, and practical support for vulnerable populations, even without the formal council recognition. For many, the controversy has reinforced the necessity of vigilance against the spread of misinformation and the vital role of community advocacy in defending principles of fairness and inclusion.