Wellingborough councillors united in support of motion condemning hate crime

The motion was proposed by the leader of Wellingborough Council Cllr Martin Griffiths and seconded by Cllr Andrew Scarborough, leader of the Labour opposition group, in light of numerous acts of violence where countless lives have been lost.

All members were asked to support the motion, which had been amended slightly since it was first put forward, at the authority’s full council meeting last night (Tuesday).

Two members of the public spoke about it before several councillors had their say.

Cllr Lora Lawmman said she was not born in this country, but was glad to be part of the Wellingborough community ‘with so much different heritage.’

She added: “There’s no place in our world for any hatred.”

Cllr Brian Emerson said the profile of disability hate crime needed to be raised, but added: “Hate crime of whatever sort is totally unacceptable.”

The amended motion, which received unanimous support, read: “Recent tragic events such as the Orlando homophobic massacre, the appalling murder of MP Jo Cox and the bombing of Ataturk Airport in Turkey remind us all of the amount of violence and hatred in our modern society.

“We have a varied and diverse community in this borough which we are very proud of, however, we must not become complacent in these tense times.

“Council is asked to pass this motion utterly condemning all forms of hate crime and urging our communities to continue to live in harmony as they have done over many peaceful years.

“The borough of Wellingborough will continue to support, both administratively and financially, our local rights and equalities council and work through our local community safety partnership to ensure that hate never becomes acceptable in our area.”