Calls for Plymouth to make a stand against racism and hate

Plymouth Labour is calling on the whole council to make a united stand against racism and hate with a motion prompted by the violent disorder in the city last month.

The motion, coming to the meeting of full council on Monday, calls on council leader Tudor Evans OBE to write to the Home Secretary, Yvette Cooper, to call for a more robust counter–extremism strategy to identify and address the drivers of violence.

It also thanks staff from the council, police and other city organisations who worked so hard to minimise the damage and managed the clean up as well as asking all councillors to ensure they complete their diversity training.

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The motion is being proposed by Daniel Steel, newly-elected councillor for Plymstock Radford ward. “While it is important we reflect on the disorder that happened in our city linked to the tragedy in Southport, we must also recognise Plymouth is a great city where we strive continuously to be welcoming and inclusive and this motion is about telling that story too,” said Cllr Steel.

Cllr Tess Blight, an Eggbuckland councillor and chair of the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education (SACRE), is seconding.

“I am looking forward to talking about the importance of the teaching of religious education in children and young people’s educational development,” said Cllr Blight, who worked as a headteacher for many years.

“It enables them to take their place within a diverse multi-religious and multi-secular society. I'll also be highlighting parts of SACRE's new Agreed Syllabus for all Plymouth schools, adopted in June this year.”

Cllr Chris Penberthy, cabinet member for communities, said it was “right that the council takes some time to reflect together on what happened in our city”.

“We also have to consider the work that we all need to do going forward,” said Cllr Penberthy.

“The events of 5 August in Plymouth and other cities were difficult to watch and have had an ongoing effect on the lives of some of our fellow citizens.

“I would like to thank Cllrs Steel and Blight for raising this issue and look forward to participating in this important discussion - I hope the whole council will come together to support this motion.”