The following motion on Celebrating the Contribution of Overseas Born and Asylum-Seeking Residents has been proposed by Cllr David Palethorpe, seconded by Cllr Jackie Hook and supported by the requisite number of Members within the procedural rules.
Council notes:
1. Teignbridge has a proud tradition of welcoming refugees into our community including most recently from Afghanistan, Syria and Ukraine, and these people have become our friends, our neighbours and our work colleagues
2. That Teignbridge and the wider South Devon region are enriched by the skills, compassion, and dedication of residents born outside the United Kingdom. Census 2021 data show that around 7 percent of Devon’s population were born abroad, with one in every two adults in South Devon and Teignbridge having at least one parent or grandparent born outside England.
3. That overseas-born residents contribute to every aspect of life in our district and region, including:
o Tourism and hospitality, which are essential to South Devon’s economy, welcoming millions of visitors each year and employing thousands of staff, many of whom are overseas nationals bringing language skills, cultural understanding, and a warm welcome that define our visitor experience.
o Health and social care, where the Torbay & South Devon NHS Foundation Trust employs 7,198 staff, of whom 10.4 percent identify as from a Black or Minority Ethnic background, and 5 percent were recruited from outside the UK. International doctors, nurses, carers, and allied health professionals are indispensable to the safe and effective running of our hospitals, care homes, and community services.
o Education, where 16.8 percent of teachers in England identify with an ethnic minority group, and Devon’s schools depend upon international teachers in STEM, languages, and special education to ensure continuity of learning and broaden students’ perspectives.
o Public safety and national service, where over 8 percent of all Regular Armed Forces personnel are non-UK nationals, including more than 4,000 Gurkhas and thousands of Fijians and Commonwealth citizens serving our country with courage and distinction. Many settle and remain in South Devon after service, continuing to contribute to civic life and community safety.
4. That humanitarian arrivals under the Ukrainian and Afghan resettlement schemes number around 314,595 UK-wide (up to June 2025) (c.0.5 percent of the population), yet their presence locally has brought cultural richness, volunteerism, and new skills to Teignbridge’s communities.
5. That several local community and voluntary organisations, faith groups, and charities work tirelessly to support refugees, migrants, and those experiencing housing or financial insecurity, often with limited resources but immense dedication.
Council believes:
· That Teignbridge’s strength lies in its diversity — in the compassion, creativity, and hard work of all who make this district their home.
· That every resident, regardless of birthplace or background, deserves dignity, respect, and opportunity.
· That the positive contribution of overseas-born residents should be recognised, celebrated, and woven into the story of Teignbridge’s success.
Council therefore resolves to:
1. Commits to work with Government to ensure Teignbridge continues to play its part in welcoming those seeking asylum in our country.
2. Formally recognise and celebrate the contributions of all overseas-born residents to Teignbridge’s economy, culture, and public life — especially in the tourism, health, safety, and education sectors.
3. Express its gratitude to overseas-born members of the Armed Forces, including the Gurkhas and Fijian personnel, for their service and sacrifice.
4. Acknowledge the essential role of international health and social care staff in sustaining our NHS and care services across South Devon.
5. Recognise the dedication of international teachers and education professionals who help nurture and inspire our young people.
6. Reaffirm the Council’s commitment to equality, human dignity, and inclusion under the International Law, Equality Act 2010 and the Council’s own Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
7. Stand in solidarity with local charities, voluntary groups, and community organisations that support refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable individuals, and explore opportunities for partnership and recognition.
8. Reject discrimination in all forms, affirming Teignbridge as a district that is open, welcoming, and enriched by the diversity of its residents.
Decision:
It was proposed by Councillor Palethorpe and seconded by Councillor Hook and
RESOLVED
That the Council:
1. Commits to work with Government to ensure Teignbridge continues to play its part in welcoming those seeking asylum in our country.
2. Formally recognise and celebrate the contributions of all overseas-born residents to Teignbridge’s economy, culture, and public life — especially in the tourism, health, safety, and education sectors.
3. Express its gratitude to overseas-born members of the Armed Forces, including the Gurkhas and Fijian personnel, for their service and sacrifice.
4. Acknowledge the essential role of international health and social care staff in sustaining our NHS and care services across South Devon.
5. Recognise the dedication of international teachers and education professionals who help nurture and inspire our young people.
6. Reaffirm the Council’s commitment to equality, human dignity, and inclusion under the International Law, Equality Act 2010 and the Council’s own Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
7. Stand in solidarity with local charities, voluntary groups, and community organisations that support refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable individuals, and explore opportunities for partnership and recognition.
8. Reject discrimination in all forms, affirming Teignbridge as a district that is open, welcoming, and enriched by the diversity of its residents.
Minutes:
The Chair referred to the Notice of Motion (NOM) as set out on the agenda, proposed by Councillor Palethorpe, seconded by Councillor Hook and supported by the requisite number of Councillors within the procedural rules to enable it to be considered at the meeting.
The Head of Housing responded to the NOM advising that the data provided in relation to persons born outside of the UK and humanitarian arrivals under Ukraine and Afghan resettlement schemes have been verified as accurate against the data sources provided within the NOM.
Councillor Palethorpe presented his NOM as set out on the agenda.
During the debate issues raised included: 8.4% of the armed forces are non-nationals, the NOM gives no action, and other comments of support for the NOM was expressed.
An amendment to the NOM was proposed by Councillor M Smith and seconded by Councillor Hall that:
The title of the NOM Celebrating the Contribution of Overseas-Born and Asylum-Seeking Residents be amended to read Celebrating the Contribution of legal overseas-born, and refugee residents; an additional 6 under the heading The Council notes to read the Council notes that the majority of migrants to the UK are by legal means, and an additional 7 to read the Council notes that asylum seekers have a reasonable style of living while awaiting asylum.
The amendment was LOST by 4 votes for and the majority against.
An amendment was proposed by Councillor J Taylor and seconded by Councillor Macgregor that the 8 recommendations of the NOM be deleted and the NOM is rewritten as one overarching statement.
The Chair confirmed that the amendment was not permitted under the Procedure Rules relating to NOMs because it materially altered and changed the meaning of the NOM.
Councillor P Parker left the meeting and was not present for the remainder of the meeting.
A further amendment was proposed by Councillor Macgregor and seconded by Councillor J Taylor that the Council investigates supporting migrants in the District with induction on laws, values and community integration providing a full guide to newcomers to the District.
The amendment was LOST 8 votes for, the majority against and 8 abstentions.
A vote was taken on the original NOM as set out on the agenda, proposed by Councillor Palethorpe and seconded by Councillor Hook.
In accordance with section 4.13.5 of the Constitution a recorded vote was taken on the NOM and the Members voting for, against or abstaining from voting is as follows:
FOR the NOM: Councillors Buscombe, Cox, Foden, Gearon, Hayes, Hook, James, Keeling, Major, Morgan, Nutley, Palethorpe, Parrot, Radford, Rollason, Sanders, K Smith, Steemson, Swain, G Taylor, Williams, Wrigley - 22
AGAINST the NOM: Nil
ABSTENTIONS: Councillors Atkins, Bullivant, Clarance, Hall, Horner, Jackman, Macgregor, Mullone, Peart, Rogers, Ryan, M Smith, J Taylor, Thorne -14
The NOM was declared CARRIED
RESOLVED
That the Council:
1. Commits to work with Government to ensure Teignbridge continues to play its part in welcoming those seeking asylum in our country.
2. Formally recognise and celebrate the contributions of all overseas-born residents to Teignbridge’s economy, culture, and public life — especially in the tourism, health, safety, and education sectors.
3. Express its gratitude to overseas-born members of the Armed Forces, including the Gurkhas and Fijian personnel, for their service and sacrifice.
4. Acknowledge the essential role of international health and social care staff in sustaining our NHS and care services across South Devon.
5. Recognise the dedication of international teachers and education professionals who help nurture and inspire our young people.
6. Reaffirm the Council’s commitment to equality, human dignity, and inclusion under the International Law, Equality Act 2010 and the Council’s own Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy.
7. Stand in solidarity with local charities, voluntary groups, and community organisations that support refugees, asylum seekers, and other vulnerable individuals, and explore opportunities for partnership and recognition.
8. Reject discrimination in all forms, affirming Teignbridge as a district that is open, welcoming, and enriched by the diversity of its residents.
The meeting adjourned for a short comfort break.
Councillor James left the meeting and was not present for the remainder of the meeting.
The meeting reconvened.