COUNCIL VOWS ON 'HATE CRIMES'
Council chiefs in Sandwell are vowing to do all they can to stamp out racist attacks and other hate crimes in the borough.
A resolution unanimously approved at a full meeting of the authority unequivocally condemned ‘racism, xenophobia and hate crimes’. And it pledged to work to find the resources needed to fight such behaviours. The resolution follows fears across the country since June 23’s Brexit vote of a rise in attacks.
Council leader, Cllr Steve Eling, said: “There has been no rise in reported hate crimes in Sandwell since the referendum. “But it is important to make it crystal clear that there is no place here for such despicable acts. “Hate crimes are not something we want in a civilised country.
‘The vast majority of people in Sandwell are decent, law-abiding folk who wish to live in peace and harmony with their fellow citizens. “As a council we are committed to doing all we can with our partners to enable them to do just that.” The resolution affirmed Sandwell Council’s belief and pride in a diverse and tolerant society. And it went on: “Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country.
This council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable. "We will work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support and resources they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia. "We reassure all people living in this area that they are valued members of our community".
The resolution follows a ‘Love your neighbour’ campaign launched last week by churches across Sandwell in which over 100 people, including community and faith leaders, joined together to show their unity and encourage simple acts of kindness to others. They also signed an open letter pledging to do "all in our power and spheres of influence to promote peace, understanding and acceptance”.
The campaign launch was attended by Sandwell’s Mayor, Councillor Julie Webb, and the council’s Chief Executive, Jan Britton.