Town councillors have expressed support for Afghan residents being welcomed to Bracknell Forest.
Bracknell Forest Council is participating in the government’s Afghan Resettlement Programme, which offers relocation to its citizens.
Around 300 Afghans will be supported, with additional residents expected in the future.
Funding for the national scheme has come from the government and does not impact local council tax or social housing.
Those being resettled worked for, or with, the UK government to support its mission in Afghanistan – or are considered vulnerable or in danger from the Taliban, which took control of the country in 2021.
Families will arrive in three groups and can stay up to nine months in their transitional accommodation, while searching for a permanent home.
Cllr Leigh Quigg on Sandhurst Town Council passed a motion on May 1 saying the council ‘welcomes’ the residents to the town.
The Liberal Democrat said: “As host to the Royal Military Academy and home to veterans of that conflict we recognise the commitment that community made to British military efforts during the Afghan campaign.
“We also recognise the threat to their personal safety and lives from the Taliban, as a direct result of their services to British Armed Forces.
“We welcome the opportunity to provide them with sanctury and an opportunity to find peace for themselves and their families.”
But Independent Cllr John Edwards tried to amend the motion calling for the ‘same level of support’ for Bracknell residents and veterans.
Cllr Edwards told GB News on May 12: “The Lib Dems put in a motion calling for these Afghans to be welcomed to the area, which I support in principle.
“This isn’t about being divisive. The people who have arrived need to be treated with respect and dignity. I was just trying to give transparency because Bracknell Forest were very good at making it difficult to understand how unfair this scheme was.”
Cllr Edwards was criticised after sharing what appeared to be pictures of the secure hotel residents are being housed in on social media, which has been kept confidential by the council for safety reasons.
The Independent member further claimed to be reported to Thames Valley Police by a Bracknell Forest Labour Councillor.
Leader of Bracknell Forest Council Mary Temperton said in April: “We have a long history of being kind, supportive and caring to people who have experienced trauma and turbulence in their lives, meaning they can no longer stay safely in their home country.”
The Bracknell Labour Group and Thames Valley Police have been approached for comment.
