Cllr Sarah Murray: ‘Worcester is Better Than Division’

Councillor Sarah Murray has spoken out after joining residents from across the city to counter a small protest that sought to blame asylum seekers for challenges facing Worcester.

Cllr Murray said she was “proud to stand alongside families, neighbours and community groups” who gathered peacefully to show that division does not represent the city’s values.

“We outnumbered the protest group by around four to one,” she said. “Our side was peaceful, positive and determined. It felt like Worcester at its best.”

Cllr Murray praised West Mercia Police for their handling of the situation.

“There was one officer monitoring our gathering, while other officers were positioned with the protest group as part of normal public order policing. I want to thank West Mercia Police for their professionalism and for keeping everyone safe.”

During the protest, some individuals directed abuse at local residents, including calling people ‘traitors’ and demanding they ‘house asylum seekers.’

“That kind of rhetoric doesn’t build homes, improve services or help struggling families,” Cllr Murray said. “It simply tries to divide our city.”

She made clear that no resident should feel intimidated because of where they were born.

“No one in Worcester should feel targeted or anxious because of hostility like this. I will always stand up for people in my ward who feel threatened or unwelcome.”

While condemning scapegoating, Cllr Murray acknowledged that many local residents have genuine concerns.

“I recognise that people are frustrated — about housing pressures, stretched services and the cost of living. Those concerns deserve serious answers. But blaming vulnerable people is not a solution. It is a distraction from the real work that needs doing.”

She concluded by stressing the importance of visible leadership and practical action.

“Leadership means showing up. It means being visible when our community’s values are tested. And it means focusing on practical solutions — not divisive politics. Worcester is better than division.”

ENDS