Statement of Unity

At a Full Council meeting on 7 July 2016, members unanimously endorsed the following “Statement of Unity” which was moved by Councillor Christopher Akers-Belcher, the Leader of Hartlepool Council and Chair of the Safer Hartlepool Partnership:

“All political parties actively promote the Council’s collective view that we firmly believe in inclusion and diversity. We therefore stand united against racism and xenophobia in all forms. We shall work for the good of all people in the Borough regardless of race, ethnicity, sex, language, disability, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or age.”

The statement was issued after neo-fascist stickers featuring a range of offensive right-wing political slogans and symbols appeared on lampposts, road signs and pay and display parking machines in parts of the town centre. The stickers were immediately removed  by the Council’s Environmental Enforcement Team.

Councillor Akers-Belcher said: “It is important that the Council takes a lead on this issue and promotes the same collective view. I am delighted that councillors from all political parties agree on the need to tackle hate and intolerance to ensure that Hartlepool continues to be a diverse, tolerant and inclusive place to live, work and visit.”