Bradford Council has followed in the steps of other major UK cities to oppose enforced destitution on asylum seekers.

Cross-party support was given at a Full Council meeting this week when Labour Councillor Nazam Azam put forward a motion to make clear its opposition to the use of destitution as a policy tool to force refused asylum seekers to leave the UK while they continued to state their case for a safe haven from persecution.

It was seconded by Deputy Leader Coun Imran Hussain.

The Lib Dem group also supported the motion and Conservative Councillor Dale Smith also spoke powerfully in favour.

Will Sutcliffe, chairman of City of Sanctuary Bradford, said that Coun Azam received a standing ovation.

Bradford Council’s support followed Glasgow, Bristol, Sheffield and Oxford Councils who have all passed similar motions.