Stand Up To Racism Petition Heard By Councillors

A call for Pembrokeshire politicians to “have the courage to stand up to racism” was heard by councillors while debating a petition sparked by the co-option of a Reform member on to a local town council.

A recently completed e-petition, on the council’s own website, by Marjorie Hawkins of Campaign group West Wales Stand Up to Racism, said: “Given the recent co-option of a member of Reform UK to Haverfordwest Town Council [Cllr Scott Thorley] —a party openly opposed to the Anti-racist Wales Action Plan (AWAP)—we call upon our county council to reaffirm its commitment to fostering an inclusive and anti-racist Wales by 2030.”

The petition attracted 300 signatures, triggering a debate at the council’s September 18 Corporate Overview and Scrutiny Committee.

Speaking at the meeting, Elaine Gunning of West Wales Stand Up to Racism said the group was deeply concerned, not only about the co-option on to Haverfordwest Town Council but also about Independent Group councillors, including group leader Cllr Huw Murphy, attending a recent Reform social event in Carmarthen.

“The charade it is not a racist party has to end,” she told councillors, adding: “Blaming minority groups for low wages, lack of housing and a failing NHS has to end.”

She told members local people from minorities had experienced racism citing a taxi driver who had experienced a young adult urging potential customers to instead “find a white driver,” and a Jewish person encountering a “proud Nazi”.

“Racism exists in Pembrokeshire despite our efforts; we at Stand up to Racism are calling on our leaders to have the courage to stand up to racism through your deeds.

“There cannot be silence in the face of racism; today Pembrokeshire can speak loudly and clearly, we cannot be silenced, Pembrokeshire is home to us all, let us show in Pembrokeshire there is no room for racism but there is space for everyone.”

She later added: “The fact that our county councillors are attending Reform socials gives a right to concern; the council cannot on one hand express its solidarity [with anti-racism] and then we have our members associating with a political group that demonises a small minority.”

Cllr Alan Dennison, a member of the Independent group himself, moved the petition be noted and members move on to the next item on the agenda.

“I defy anyone to say anyone’s racist,” he said, adding: “As for saying it’s apolitical, we’ve already brought a political party in [to the debate]; I move we receive the petition and move on.”

He was seconded by Cllr Mike Stoddart, who stressed he was not a Reform member or supporter, said: “I’m a bit uncomfortable with this; I think we’re incorrectly being asked to brand Reform a racist party. I don’t think that’s any part of our role as a county council.”

Chair Cllr Michael John, also a member of the Independent Group, stressed it was not the role of the committee to get “into the rights and wrongs of any political party or candidates”.

Members heard an update on the council’s strategic equality plan was expected at a future committee meeting; members agreeing to note the petition.

The Independent Group’s leader has previously stated it had also attended events held by other parties.

Cllr Thorley has previously said he welcomes the opportunity to contribute to anti-racist efforts.