Agenda item

In accordance with Section 100B(4)(b) of the Local Government Act 1972, the Lord Mayor agreed that this item could be considered as a matter of urgency to allow a response to the demonstrations which took place in Nottingham City on Saturday 3 August 2024.

Councillor Corall Jenkins moved the following motion, which was seconded by Councillor Saj Ahmad:

Nottingham City Council conveys profound sorrow over the devastation suffered by the residents of Southport this past week since the tragic murders of Elsie Dot Stancombe, aged seven, Alice Dasilva Aguiar, aged nine, and Bebe King, aged six.  The Council acknowledges the injuries sustained by many others, who will be forever marked by this tragedy, and extends a heartfelt message of support for their recovery and long-term care.  The rampant criminality by the far right that has followed this incident has only added to the suffering of the people of Southport and enhanced division and fear amongst communities across the United Kingdom.  Nottingham City Council condemns the Islamophobic violence from those that have targeted places of worship, incited racial hatred, caused damage to property and injured Police. We condemn those who have tried to divide our communities and who single out our Muslim communities and refugees in particular.  The far right consistently exploit high-profile incidents as well as the general decline of living standards through austerity to peddle their hateful rhetoric and violence. Not only should we challenge this head-on but we should fight to improve things for everyone in our community to offer hope and unity.

The Council resolves to:

·  write to the Leader of Metropolitan Borough of Sefton Council to offer our condolences;

·  thank Nottinghamshire Police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for their appropriate handling of protests in Nottingham;

·  thank Community Protection Officers for reassuring local communities;

·  thank NHS staff who have been treating those who have been injured;

·  send a letter from the Leader and Chief Executive to staff to offer reassurance;

·  thank our Cleansing Team for clearing up the City Centre after the demonstration;

·  work with the Police and Crime Commissioner to address future risks;

·  continue to promote community cohesion within Nottingham;

·  condemn the far right, racism and discrimination in all its forms; and

·  ensure Mosques in Nottingham are supported by the new rapid response process announced by the Home Secretary.

During the debate the following points were made:

a)  The Council stands alongside all those affected by this situation.

b)  Nottingham is a diverse city where all are welcome and promotes community cohesion.  There is good work taking place to support refugees and asylum seekers in the city, but more that can be done.

c)  The families and friends of the girls who died in Southport should have had the opportunity for public and private grief.  This was taken away by the demonstrations and protests which have taken place by people using this tragic event as an excuse to attack others.

d)  The targeting of minority communities, including people who have come to this country for refuge is unacceptable.  It is not in the spirit of this country and does not represent communities in Nottingham.

e)  Everyone has a right to feel safe and the Council supports all measures to prevent violence and fear in the City.

f)  It is important to understand the context in which this is happening. Some people involved in the demonstrations and riots have been mis-guided by misinformation, and sections of the media, aspects of political discourse and social media have played a role in that.  It is important to put forward a strong counter-narrative.

g)  The Council thanks Nottinghamshire Police and Police Community Support Officers for their work in keeping people in the City safe, and Council staff and other stakeholders for the commitment that they have shown, for example in caring for those affected and helping to tidy up in the aftermath of events.

h)  It is disappointing that action is having to be taken to protect Mosques, but the Government’s announcement of a rapid response process is welcome.

Resolved to carry the motion.

A three minute silence was held for reflection and to honour the three girls who died in Southport.