Councillors unite with powerful message of solidarity
Gateshead's councillors have sent a clear and united message: hate has no home here.
In a show of cross-party solidarity, councillors unanimously backed a motion celebrating the borough's rich diversity, and reaffirming their commitment to inclusion, respect and safety for all Gateshead people.
The joint Labour and Liberal Democrat motion also condemns recent racist graffiti and vandalism and offers practical steps to tackle hate.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:
"This is a moment of unity. Every councillor is sending a message that Gateshead is for all. We will not tolerate hate, and we will continue to work together to build a borough where our rich diversity is celebrated.
"We will not allow our national symbols to be misused to intimidate or divide. We're so much stronger when we are united - and we stand shoulder to shoulder with every resident in Gateshead no matter their colour or creed."
Councillor Ron Beadle, Leader of the Opposition, added:
"Gateshead is a place where everyone should feel safe, respected and valued. This motion is a clear statement that racism has no place here.
"I'm proud that as a council we have set aside our political differences to demonstrate that on this subject, we stand together."
During the debate, councillors from across the chamber spoke powerfully about Gateshead's commitment to inclusion. Many spoke from personal experience of the bigotry and hatred they, or friends and loved ones have faced. All had a shared determination to work together for a safe, inclusive borough.
The motion also calls on Northumbria Police to robustly investigate racially motivated incidents and for the judicial system to apply the maximum allowable uplift for aggravated racial hate crimes.
If you want to report graffiti or vandalism, you can do this easily report this online.
If you, or someone you know, is a victim of hate crime, you can report it on the Northumbria Police website or at one of several Safe Reporting Centres in Gateshead, including Gateshead Family Hubs.
In an emergency, always call 999.
Find out more about what Gateshead Council is doing to bring communities together:
Equality and diversity in Gateshead
The full motion reads:
No place for hate in Gateshead.
This Council:
Celebrates Gateshead's diversity and encourages residents to engage positively with members of different communities.
Believes that patriotism opposes nationalism and rejects the misuse of our precious national symbols to divide and intimidate.
Unequivocally condemns all acts of racist vandalism and graffiti, including recent incidents in Gateshead targeting individuals, groups, places of worship, cultural sites, or public spaces.
Expresses solidarity with the individuals and communities affected by these hateful acts and recognizes the harm and fear they cause.
Reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive community for all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or background.
Supports the swift investigation and removal of all racist graffiti and vandalism, in coordination with Northumbria Police and community groups.
Calls on the community to remain vigilant and report any such incidents, and encourages residents to speak out against racism in all its forms. We also applaud local communities seeking to support vulnerable residents and targeted minority groups.
Commits to ongoing anti-racism education and awareness initiatives, including community forums, training for staff, and partnerships with local organizations to promote equity and inclusion.
Affirms that racism is a hate crime in law and calls upon Northumbria Police to investigate any racially motivated incident robustly, and the judicial system to prosecute and sentence accordingly, by applying the maximum allowable uplift for aggravated racial hate crimes.
Gateshead's councillors have sent a clear and united message: hate has no home here.
In a show of cross-party solidarity, councillors unanimously backed a motion celebrating the borough's rich diversity, and reaffirming their commitment to inclusion, respect and safety for all Gateshead people.
The joint Labour and Liberal Democrat motion also condemns recent racist graffiti and vandalism and offers practical steps to tackle hate.
Councillor Martin Gannon, Leader of Gateshead Council, said:
"This is a moment of unity. Every councillor is sending a message that Gateshead is for all. We will not tolerate hate, and we will continue to work together to build a borough where our rich diversity is celebrated.
"We will not allow our national symbols to be misused to intimidate or divide. We're so much stronger when we are united - and we stand shoulder to shoulder with every resident in Gateshead no matter their colour or creed."
Councillor Ron Beadle, Leader of the Opposition, added:
"Gateshead is a place where everyone should feel safe, respected and valued. This motion is a clear statement that racism has no place here.
"I'm proud that as a council we have set aside our political differences to demonstrate that on this subject, we stand together."
During the debate, councillors from across the chamber spoke powerfully about Gateshead's commitment to inclusion. Many spoke from personal experience of the bigotry and hatred they, or friends and loved ones have faced. All had a shared determination to work together for a safe, inclusive borough.
The motion also calls on Northumbria Police to robustly investigate racially motivated incidents and for the judicial system to apply the maximum allowable uplift for aggravated racial hate crimes.
If you want to report graffiti or vandalism, you can do this easily report this online.
If you, or someone you know, is a victim of hate crime, you can report it on the Northumbria Police website or at one of several Safe Reporting Centres in Gateshead, including Gateshead Family Hubs.
In an emergency, always call 999.
Find out more about what Gateshead Council is doing to bring communities together:
Equality and diversity in Gateshead
The full motion reads:
No place for hate in Gateshead.
This Council:
Celebrates Gateshead's diversity and encourages residents to engage positively with members of different communities.
Believes that patriotism opposes nationalism and rejects the misuse of our precious national symbols to divide and intimidate.
Unequivocally condemns all acts of racist vandalism and graffiti, including recent incidents in Gateshead targeting individuals, groups, places of worship, cultural sites, or public spaces.
Expresses solidarity with the individuals and communities affected by these hateful acts and recognizes the harm and fear they cause.
Reaffirms its commitment to fostering a safe, respectful, and inclusive community for all residents, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or background.
Supports the swift investigation and removal of all racist graffiti and vandalism, in coordination with Northumbria Police and community groups.
Calls on the community to remain vigilant and report any such incidents, and encourages residents to speak out against racism in all its forms. We also applaud local communities seeking to support vulnerable residents and targeted minority groups.
Commits to ongoing anti-racism education and awareness initiatives, including community forums, training for staff, and partnerships with local organizations to promote equity and inclusion.
Affirms that racism is a hate crime in law and calls upon Northumbria Police to investigate any racially motivated incident robustly, and the judicial system to prosecute and sentence accordingly, by applying the maximum allowable uplift for aggravated racial hate crimes.
