Agenda item

To consider the following motion submitted by Councillors David Smith, Karen Leytham and Sam Armstrong:-

We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes of any description have no place in our country.

We at Lancaster City Council condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally.

We will not allow such behaviour to become acceptable. We will work with other bodies, Community Safety Partnership, Communities together, Lancashire county council, Town and Parish councils to challenge such behaviour and prevent such crimes.

Lancaster City council wish to assure all of the Districts residents and visitors that they are valued members of our society.

An officer briefing note is attached.

Councillor Smith had submitted the following motion having given the required notice to the Chief Executive in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15:-

“We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes of any description have no place in our country.

We at Lancaster City Council condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally.  We will not allow such behaviour to become acceptable. We will work with other bodies, Community Safety Partnership, Communities together, Lancashire county council, Town and Parish councils to challenge such behaviour and prevent such crimes.

Lancaster City council wishes to assure all of the district’s residents and visitors that they are valued members of our society.”

An Officer Briefing note had been provided with the agenda to assist Councillors.

Councillor Smith moved the motion, seconded by Councillor Leytham.

By way of a friendly amendment, which was accepted as such by the proposer and seconder of the motion, Councillor Caroline Jackson proposed, seconded by Councillor Scott, the following addendum:

“This Council resolves that:

(1)   That the statement above is displayed on the city council website, that it also directs residents to www.istreetwatch.co.uk for anonymous reporting of hate crime and that a press release is issued to publicise the motion.

(2)   That council recommend the Overview and Scrutiny Committee review the current local and city council measures taken to counter racism, xenophobia, and hate crime and report back to  Full Council as soon as practicable.

(3)     That all councillors consider increasing their involvement with, and support for, those organisations which strengthen communities and increase tolerance and respect between peoples from different countries, cultures and faiths.”

Members started to debate the motion.

The Mayor became unwell during the debate and left the meeting.  In the absence of the Deputy Mayor, there was a short adjournment until the Mayor was well enough to return.  Debate resumed for a short time until the Mayor again felt unwell. At this point the Chief Executive asked Members to nominate a chair for the remainder of the meeting. Several Councillors nominated and seconded Councillor Jon Barry, who took the chair.

At the conclusion of a lengthy debate, Members voted unanimously in favour of the motion, as amended.

Resolved:

That;

(1)          We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes of any description have no place in our country.  We at Lancaster City Council condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally.  We will not allow such behaviour to become acceptable. We will work with other bodies, Community Safety Partnership, Communities together, Lancashire county council, Town and Parish councils to challenge such behaviour and prevent such crimes. Lancaster City council wishes to assure all of the Districts residents and visitors that they are valued members of our society.

(2)     That the statement above is displayed on the city council website, that it also   directs residents to www.istreetwatch.co.uk for anonymous reporting of hate crime and that a press release is issued to publicise the motion.

(3)    That council recommends the Overview and Scrutiny Committee review the current local and city council  measures taken to counter racism, xenophobia, and hate crime and report back to  Full Council as soon as practicable.

(4)      That all councillors consider increasing their involvement with, and support for, those organisations which strengthen communities and increase tolerance and respect between peoples from different countries, cultures and faiths.