News / Politics
Ferguson to open his apartment to refugees
City mayor George Ferguson said he will open his Tobacco Factory apartment to refugees.
The mayor said he wanted to “lead by example” by housing refugees fleeing Syria and other war-torn countries in his spare room.
“I have a small room I could offer,” he told the BBC. “And I shall do so. It’s a small room. I have two small bedrooms, one of which I occupy, and I will make arrangements to be able to take somebody on – only because I think I need to lead by example.”
is needed now More than ever
Ferguson lives in a rooftop flat on the Tobacco Factory on North Street, Southville, which he redeveloped and owns.
Bristol mayor @GeorgeFergusonx is setting the example and has pledged to open his home to refugees pic.twitter.com/FfJFgt31Ta
— BBC Points West (@bbcpointswest) September 4, 2015
He was speaking as he urged people from all over Bristol to lend a hand to help alleviate the refugee crisis gripping much of Europe.
The Green Party welcomed Ferguson’s promise, but urged the council to do more by accepting 50 new refugees.
As his party submitted a motion to full council, group leader Rob Telford said: “I welcome the Mayor’s call for people to host refugees in their homes, but this is a sticking plaster for a much wider problem.”
He added: “Other cities such as Glasgow, Birmingham and Edinburgh have already agreed to host 50. As a City of Sanctuary, Bristol must also play its part.”
Labour said they have also been putting pressure on the council to act. Brenda Massey, assistant mayor for people, said: “I have asked city council officers to team up with the voluntary agencies and energetically seek private rented accommodation.
“I am very clear that this should not be in sub-standard homes that we would not use for anyone else or take away social housing for people on the housing waiting list.
“We may only be able to help a limited number of families, but if every city does the same, we can make an impact.”