To consider the following motion to Council for which the appropriate notice has been provided :
"We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country. Our council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.
We will work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.
We reassure all people living in this area that they are valued members of our community.”
To be moved by Councillor Debbie Wilcox, Leader of the Council and Seconded by Councillor Matthew Evans, Leader of the Opposition.
Minutes:
The Leader of the Council presented the following motion:
“We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country. Our council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable.
We will work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.
We reassure all people living in this area that they are valued members of our community.”
The motion was seconded by the Leader of the Opposition.
In moving the motion, the Leader of the Council stated that hate crimes are any crimes that are targeted at a person because of hostility or prejudice towards their disability, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, transgender identity. In fact, anyone could be a victim of a hate crime.
The Leader mentioned that according to the police there had been a spike in hate crime the week following the Referendum as well as an increase in the run up to the referendum. SEWREC, Victim Support and Tell Mama had also reported significant increases.
The Leader informed members that, as leaders of the community they are in an ideal position to promote community cohesion and in these difficult times it was more important than ever that they show that leadership.
The Leader stated that Newport is a great city and the people are great. It is a vibrant and thriving place with a rich heritage and history and a fantastic future. However, it is all those things because Newportonians get along, whatever our backgrounds, race or faith. The Leader said it was often the very differences of our culture and background that draws us together. It is a wonderful thing about our home.
The Referendum and the ensuing uncertainty had highlighted a number of divides across Britain and had resulted in some expressions of the worst of human nature. There are many people across the country who now felt more vulnerable, less safe and less part of our communities. The Leader said that, as Leader of the Council she was determined that not one single person is made to feel this way in Newport. We will stand together to support those who are vulnerable, we will welcome those who are isolated and we will protect those who are intimidated and abused. And we absolutely will not tolerate or ignore any act that threatens to undermine this.
In seconding the motion, the Leader of the Opposition stated that he was pleased to present the joint motion about a matter that transcended party politics and was a concern for all. He referred to some examples which highlighted the issues.
Councillor Evans stated that targeting anyone because they come from a different country, or they are a different colour, or have different sexual is completely unacceptable and as a society we cannot tolerate. It was comforting that locally incidents had remained static over the past few years. The Council needed to work with organisations to ensure such incidents were isolated in nature whilst at the same time recognising genuine concerns. Plenty of positive work was being done and there were good examples. The City was great because of the heritage and our ability to welcome all people from around the world.
A significant number of elected members spoke in favour of the motion. Comments included
· The cross party initiative was welcomed
· The spike in incidents was not local but UK – wide
· It was intolerable that differences led to hate crime being committed against individuals or groups
· Newport has a rich history of diversity and people working together in harmony
· Modern cultural democracy had benefitted hugely from citizens and migrants from other countries
· Loyalty to the nation should not be questioned because of individuals’ background or the community in which they live
· This was an opportunity to review what we are currently doing in the City and how we can move forward
· Crimes such as child exploitation happens across all communities
· Hate crime needed to be removed from society and all parties represented on the Council take a similar view
· Some of the publicity prior to the referendum contributed to the present spike in feelings and actions
· Everyone should be treated fairly and we are not born with prejudices as evidenced by children in all our communities. Education is a key.
· All communities make a positive and full contribution to the city
· People should be respected and treated properly
· The Hate Crime Forum makes a positive contribution
· Work needs to be done with women in some communities who suffer racism and other hate crimes
· British Muslims make significant contributions to Charites, along with many other communities both in terms of financial contributions and volunteering
· Whether based on race, colour, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or belief hate crime is never justified and it will not be tolerated in Newport
Resolved
It was resolved that the motion as set out above and moved and seconded be adopted by the Council