Bexley Labour Group stand united against racism.
Bexley Labour Councillors stand united with all communities across the country who have faced the appalling racism, Islamophobia and rioting we have seen in recent days.
There is no excuse for any of this thuggery which has been fuelled by the far right with their divisive agenda and misinformation spread on social media platforms, instead local communities have to clear up the mess and have made it clear this behaviour is not reflective of the inclusive nature of these communities affected over the last week
In Bexley, as a Labour Group we have been liaising with Senior council officers, senior police officers and local community and religious organisations to monitor community cohesion.
Cllr. Zainab Asunramu Deputy Labour of Bexley Labour Group said:
“I am devastated about the violence and disturbances we have seen across the country; we have seen people of diverse backgrounds and faiths being the target of hateful rhetoric, Islamophobia, violent attacks and verbal assaults.
As Cllrs we must lead by setting a good example for a more inclusive and tolerant society, that is why I am disappointed that at the recent Council meeting the Conservative members of the Council could not agree unanimously to the motion proposed by Cllr. Ogundayo on fighting racism and celebrating cultural diversity. We believe that this would have sent a clear message of the council united against those who seek to divide us”
At the recent July council group we were disappointed that the Conservative Council could not support the motion below and instead decided to amend it to suit their agenda, rather than showing cross party unity on a particularly important issue.
Cllr. Stefano Borella, Leader of Bexley Labour Group.
“I fully support the measures taken by the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary to support the police and the court system to deal with those involved with this disgraceful behaviour, to feel the full force of the law and are brought to justice”
As local Councillors we will be working with our Members of Parliament, including Abena Oppong Asare MP for Erith and Thamesmead and Daniel Francis MP for Bexleyheath and Crayford to support the communities we represent and fighting the scourge of racism.
All hate crime should be reported directly to the police for response. This should be done by calling 999 in an emergency or otherwise by calling 101, visiting a police station or reporting online to the Met’s dedicated platform, True Vision: www.report-it.org.uk. Residents can seek support from the London Victim and Witness Services if they are a victim or witness of hate crime by calling 0808 168 9291. There are also specific services for anti-Muslim hate: Tell MAMA, 0800 456 1226; and for racist hate: The Monitoring Group, 020 7582 7438. More info: www.bexley.gov.uk/hate-crime
Motion proposed by Cllr. Mabel Ogundayo at the July Full Council meeting
“Bexley Council stands in solidarity with all communities within Bexley and across the globe in their fight for justice in the face of racism in all its forms. We commit to working with our Global Majority communities to further understand the harm and pain past and present-day racism has caused, and address the concerns raised. We commit to rooting out racism within our own institution, partnering institutions and our public arena, as well as celebrating the growing cultural diversity within our Borough. The Council also notes and welcomes the actions that have already been taken by the London Borough of Bexley to support and promote equalities, diversity, and inclusion, including the ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy 2022-2026.”.