Here's the latest Barry and District News column by Vale of Glamorgan MS Jane Hutt

THIS week marks the twenty-fifth anniversary of Refugee Week and we will once again celebrate the contributions sanctuary seekers make to Wales.

Refugee Week brings together people from all backgrounds to create better understanding within our communities and promote integration and equality for all.

Refugee Week reminds us of the courage and resilience of those who must leave their family, friends and home to escape persecution or war.

We continue to hear brutal stories of the effect of Putin's illegal actions in Ukraine, as a stark and high-profile example of this, and we continue to stand strong with the Ukrainian people.

But many of those forced to flee to the UK are also being persecuted simply for being who they are, and sanctuary seekers often have harrowing and complex histories of abuse precipitating their arrival here.

This year's theme is 'compassion'. Compassion has long been a part of Welsh culture.

Wales has shown, time and again over the last century and more, that there is a welcome in the hillside.

Of course, despite our pride in these immense efforts, there’s more to be done to support those arriving and the communities that receive them.

We're very alert to the rise of the far right, and we know that Wales is not immune to the hatred and intolerance we've seen elsewhere. Even here we’ve seen protests outside accommodation sites, and I want to reiterate clearly that there is no home for hate in Wales.

I am grateful for the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s support and their dedication to being a County of Sanctuary.

I have visited schools in the Vale this week including St Andrews Major church in Wales School to support this. I am also very grateful for the donation of a fire engine from St Athan to support Ukraine after a missile attack which resulted in one of Kharkiv Airport’s fire trucks damaged beyond repair.

We are privileged to offer sanctuary to those who arrive in Wales. Sanctuary seekers bring skills, talent, new ideas and hard work to enrich our communities. Their stories are Welsh stories, and they have helped make us who we are as a nation today.