By Eniola Amadu
A motion by Conservatives for the Welsh Government to scrap its Nation of Sanctuary refugee and asylum seeker policy has been turned down by a UK government minister.
A Conservative Party MP in England in the House of Commons, Rebecca Smith noted that “tens of millions of pounds” were spent on the “wasteful” policy.
Wales Office Minister Anna McMorrin however countered the statement revealing that a large amount of the money had been used to support Ukrainians fleeing war in their native land.
The issue was brought up in the Commons during question time on Welsh affairs by Smith, the Conservative MP for South West Devon.
She emphasised that Labour ministers, backed by Plaid Cymru, were spending tens of millions of pounds on the Nation of Sanctuary policy, which is thought to fund services for some illegal immigrants.
“Isn’t it high time her colleagues scrapped this wasteful, non-devolved policy and instead focussed on lowering NHS waiting times?” she asked.
Wales Office Minister Anna McMorrin said “It sounds like the member opposite doesn’t agree with welcoming thousands of Ukrainian refugees” which the policy “largely supported” adding that the policy had been used “ to welcome Ukrainians fleeing Russian aggression”.
The Labour-led Welsh government does not have authority over immigration, as those powers rest with the UK Labour Government.
However, ministers in Cardiff Bay are willing to support certain asylum seekers and refugees.
According to a statement released earlier this month, £55m has been allocated to the “Nation of Sanctuary” policy between 2019 and 2025 – representing less than 0.5% of the Welsh government’s total spending.
Of that amount, £45m (82%) was spent on supporting Ukrainians between 2022 and 2024, with the Welsh government sponsoring refugees who arrived during the early stages of the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
