Norwich City of Sanctuary’s Health Stream calls on Norwich’s MPs to speak out against racism and hostility in the community, painting a picture of the impact this summer’s protests outside the Brook Hotel have had on residents and the wider migrant community. Read the full letter below. It was sent to Clive Lewis MP and Alice MacDonald MP this week, signed by health professionals from across the city.

“We are a group of healthcare professionals and people with lived experience of the asylum system (Sanctuary Ambassadors), representing the Health Stream in Norwich’s City of Sanctuary network.  We are writing to highlight our deep concerns relating to the current community unrest and rise in hostility and racism.


We are alarmed by the ongoing demonstrations outside the Brook Hotel and other hotels housing asylum seekers in Norfolk, and the impact these are having not only on the residents in the hotel but on community cohesion in Norwich.    


We have a number of different perspectives to share:


Sanctuary Ambassador – “I have lived in Norwich for five years, and has it been a welcoming and safe place for me and my family.  I have adult children who felt happy together with other people in the community. Since the protests started people are being hostile which is really worrying.  My children have experienced verbal abuse and people throwing stones at them, which is affecting their mental wellbeing and sense of safety.”



Local doctor – “As someone who left my home country and sought sanctuary here, I want to tell the public that many asylum seekers and refugees are good people who experienced significant trauma and were forced to leave their homes and come here. Many asylum seekers and refugees here in Norwich are settled and contribute significantly to the economy by opening businesses and working in various sectors to serve our community and population.”


The asylum system already presents a huge number of challenges that can negatively impact people’s mental and physical health.  Racism and violence in a country where people are coming to seek safety are unacceptable and are issues that urgently need to be addressed. Racism damages health and wellbeing, compounding trauma and driving health inequalities.



Norwich City of Sanctuary is a network of schools, theatres, libraries, the University, healthcare institutes, gardens, museums and many others who work to promote the message of welcome and inclusivity in our community. 

A strong sense of community and safety is so important, especially for people who are new to our community and have experienced multiple adversities due to displacement.   



As our local MP, we are asking you:


• For more direct action to challenge misinformation and condemn racism, hostility and violence.  This includes a zero-tolerance approach to the use of flags or symbols used to incite hate and fear.

• To speak out in support of people seeking sanctuary and promote Norwich as a City of Sanctuary with a message of welcome.


• To work closely with the City of Sanctuary and other civil society groups to promote welcome, solidarity and community cohesion.


• To use your voice in Parliament to reflect that Norwich is committed to being a City of Sanctuary and expect Government to reflect that in their policies and messaging.