The mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees has unequivocally placed his support behind a scheme which is urging residents in the city to take asylum seekers into their homes in order to prevent them being homeless.
Mayor Rees has supported the scheme which is ran by the charity Bristol Hospitality Network which is asking for volunteers to put up refugees in their spare bedrooms. Mayor Rees believes that this scheme represents Bristol as a place ‘where everyone feels welcome and safe’.
UNN’s Oliver Down understands that Bristol City Council has been providing accommodation for a significant number of asylum seekers. However, the BHN is now asking for 20 volunteers to offer a spare room in their home for three months or more.
The BHN has said ‘It really is as simple as providing a spare room. Duration is often a minimum of three months. We work hard to get to know the hosts and their requirements first in order to place appropriate members in their home. Some hosts have a spare room with separate toilet, kitchenette and entrance. Others have a room and are happy to either let the member live independently or provide community and relationship by connecting with the member over food and socialising’.
This news has caused considerable social media outrage. One Twitter user took a somewhat sarcastic tone when they Tweeted: “What a perfect opportunity for all those spouting off that these illegal Immigrants are welcome, to put their words into action…… watch out for the stampede of volunteers!!!!”. Another was angry and said: “Homeless ex-servicemen forgotten again !!! I am speechless !!!!!”.
Current Affairs Correspondent | My name is Oliver Down I am 22, and a staunch brexiteer. I am a Bristolian lad who studied politics in Leicester. I believe in free speech and accurate journalism and I won’t be afraid to give you “the other side” of the story!
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