Manchester Liberal Democrats endorse Refugee Charter

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 13th Jan 2006

Manchester Liberal Democrats have given their backing to the new Manchester Refugee Charter, which was launched at the Town Hall this week.

Speaking at the event, Councillor Paul Shannon, representing John Leech MP, gave this message from the Withington Parliamentarian:

"I would like to congratulate the Refugee & Migrants' Forum for your efforts in drafting this new Refugee Charter, in partnership with Community Pride Initiative and Manchester Refugee Support Network. Manchester is a richer, more diverse, better place for your contribution. I will do everything in my power to support you, and to continue the positive dialogue that has begun."

Following the launch, Councillor Shannon added:

"What a fantastic event! At the next Council meeting on 1st February, I shall be proposing that the Charter become official Council policy. I hope for all-party support, and that by adopting the Charter, elected Council members send a strong message to those who do not support our Refugee communities that Manchester's open-minded tradition of welcoming vulnerable people & those exercising their right to seek refuge is alive and well."

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