SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Council unites to battle against hate crime

THE level of abuse and hatred hurled about in South Somerset during the build-up to the EU Referendum left local councillors appalled.

Cllr Amanda Broom told the full meeting of South Somerset District Council on Thursday (July 21, 2016) that she was “completely dismayed” by some of the comments made by members of the public in the last few weeks of the referendum campaigning.

PHOTO - RIGHT: Cllr Amanda Broom.

Cllr Broom, of Chard, who was a supporter of the Stronger In group, said: “In one example, we were threatened with execution, with the youngest members of our group being told they should be locked in the Tower of London for treason.

“As a response to this, post Brexit, I wrote an article in one of the local papers, stating that we needed to work hard to reassure the migrant working community in Chard that they are welcome, valued members of our society, and that as a councillor, I will do all I can to reassure them of this, and work to ensure we do not tolerate hate in our towns.”

Cllr Broom was supporting a motion put forward by Cllr Crispin Raikes, of South Petherton, who said “hate crimes have no place in our society and we will do all we can to prevent them.”

PHOTO - RIGHT: Cllr Crispin Raikes.

“In the wake of the recent killing of Jo Cox MP and the less savoury rhetoric of some in the referendum campaign, this council wishes to make it clear that we, the councillors, are proud to represent a vibrant and diverse community,” he said.

“We totally condemn any form of racism, intolerance, bigotry or xenophobia. Hate crimes have no place in our society and we will do all we can to prevent them.

“The residents of South Somerset, whatever their gender, race, creed, age, colour or sexual orientation are treated equally.”

Cllr Broom added: “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 and resources 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.”

Cllr Raikes’ motion was unanimously supported by the council.

It has been suggested that the council works with the Stand Against Racism and Inequality group, local migrant groups, charities and support groups in tackling hate crime.

The BBC reported on Friday (July 22, 2016) that more than 6,000 hate crimes had been reported to police in England, Wales and Northern Ireland in the wake of the EU Referendum.

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