Stoke-on-Trent News: MP Welcomes Plan to Tackle People Smuggling and City Celebrations

Image credits: BBC

The city of Stoke-on-Trent has been in the news recently with various developments that showcase its growth and efforts to tackle social issues. A Stoke-on-Trent MP has welcomed government plans to tackle people smuggling gangs, which is a significant step in addressing the rising number of asylum seekers in the city. The number of asylum seekers in Stoke-on-Trent has risen above 1,200 again, with the latest figures showing 1,281 asylum seekers in the city in September, up from 1,156 in June. This equates to 50 asylum seekers per 10,000 population, the 10th highest ratio in the country.

The Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill, which passed its first vote in the House of Commons, will give the police new powers to seize phones and laptops used by the gangs, and make it an offence to sell or handle small boat parts for use in the Channel. The bill also scraps the Conservative plan to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda. According to government figures, just under a third of asylum seekers who made claims between 2018 and 2023 arrived in the UK on a small boat. The MP, David Williams, stated that the new powers will mean that the authorities can take tough actions needed to secure the borders and crack down on the criminal gangs who have been allowed to get away with this for far too long, using technology and intelligence to track and prosecute the perpetrators.

In other news, the city is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a new public art project, the "100 Years, 100 Faces" mural, which will feature 100 faces of people who have shaped the city over the past century. The project is being coordinated and funded by the Stoke-on-Trent City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and will be unveiled in the Autumn. The mural will be brought to life by local artists Rob Fenton and Alastair Barnett, and a dedicated book will be launched alongside the mural, featuring more information about each face and honourable mentions of other key players in Stoke's local history. The city is also set to unveil a statue of Motorhead frontman Lemmy, who was born in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, with the 2.25m bronze sculpture being erected on Market Place. The statue is the work of renowned Staffordshire artist Andy Edwards and will depict Lemmy at the height of his fame in the 1980s, in an iconic pose singing up towards a microphone, showcasing the city's heritage and cultural significance.

The city's celebrations and efforts to tackle social issues are a testament to its growth and development. The "100 Years, 100 Faces" mural and the Lemmy statue are just a few examples of the city's vibrant cultural scene, and the government's plan to tackle people smuggling gangs is a significant step in addressing the rising number of asylum seekers in the city. As the city continues to grow and develop, it is likely that we will see more initiatives and projects that showcase its unique character and heritage. The city's residents and visitors can look forward to enjoying the new mural and statue, as well as the various events and celebrations that will take place throughout the year.

In conclusion, Stoke-on-Trent is a city that is proud of its heritage and is working to address the social issues that affect its residents. The government's plan to tackle people smuggling gangs and the city's celebrations of its 100th anniversary are just a few examples of the city's growth and development. As the city continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see more initiatives and projects that showcase its unique character and heritage, making it a great place to live, work, and visit. With its rich history, vibrant cultural scene, and strong sense of community, Stoke-on-Trent is a city that has something to offer everyone, and its future looks bright.