YES, it is true that Pembrokeshire is one of the last counties in Wales to accept a Syrian family, but strangely it is now ahead of the other counties in working with its local Community Sponsorship teams.

This is a game changing idea imported from Canada where people are proud of their immigration/refugee policy instead if it being a source of resentment.

Community sponsorship has been going for 40 years there and proved its worth. It means neighbours get together to take responsibility for welcoming and integrating a small number of refugees that they have chosen.

They pay for them and ensure they find their feet, make friends, get work and fit in. The government just checks they are competent to do this work.

I have been involved helping this to happen in Wales.

It means that those who are against refugees because they take from locals and those who want to help them can work together and be on the same side. It is a game changer, and we can pioneer it here in West Wales.

The county council has not only embraced the scheme it is treating the teams in Pembrokeshire as colleagues and equals. It is asking our help with their decisions. This is unprecedented for Pembrokeshire, it is ahead of the other councils in Wales and the council are rightly proud of this new way of working.

Let’s please recognise when we are doing something right, for once.

Anyone wanting info or a talk about the scheme, please get in touch with me.

VICKY MOLLER

Plaid Cymru