Sir,

The following is a copy of a letter to Clr. Alison Lee, Pembrokeshire County Council cabinet member responsible for the relocation of vulnerable Syrian children and families.

Dear Clr. Lee,

Following yesterday’s statement to the House of Commons by the Home Secretary Amber Rudd MP, I am seeking your assurance that PCC council members will be kept fully informed of developments under the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Re-location Scheme.

Whilst the Welsh Government has agreed to support these desperate families, we also have a duty to our constituents. My wish is to avoid further social and conventional media hype which has previously occurred and has benefited no one.

This is not, as you alluded to following my questions at full council, a move to challenge or prevent those seeking refuge in the county, but rather my attempt to ensure that in your cabinet position of responsibility for the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Re-location Scheme for Pembrokeshire you fully engage with communities as this situation develops. This will go some way in preventing unnecessary scaremongering and the demonising of those seeking asylum.

I would also like you to clarify the local authority’s position regarding the following points made yesterday (October 25) by the Home Secretary who stated in her speech: “It is crucial we ensure local authorities are able to manage the numbers coming here. We will need to identify further places and we will be working with local authorities over the coming days to ensure that happens. The key now is to make sure that we get these places up and running as soon as possible.”

It is essential that you maintain full engagement with elected members and with the communities of Pembrokeshire as the re-location scheme rolls out. This will ensure the best possible outcomes for those in desperate need along with full consideration being afforded to our town, village and rural communities. Ignorance breeds fear, please let’s get this right first time for all concerned.

County Clr. Jonathan

Preston,

Penally ward,

Pembrokeshire

County Council.