5 July 2016
Last week the party leaders on Norwich City Council put out a statement condemning the reported increase in racial attacks and hate crimes:
In 2013, following a unanimous vote of Norwich City Council, the leaders of the three political groups signed the following declaration as community leaders:
“We in Norwich are proud of our diverse and multi-racial heritage, which we regard as a source of cultural, social and economic strength. We will work vigorously to combat all forms of racism in Norwich and to enshrine the principle that individuality and universality are the foundations of justice and peace.”
Now, as then, there is no case for injustice of any kind in society.
Following Thursday’s referendum result there are members of our community in Norwich who feel fearful about what the future may hold for them in our country. In some areas of this country, there are people, including children, who find themselves on the receiving end of racist hate mail.
Importantly we, as people of Norwich, should be reminded and encouraged to take pride in our ethnic and cultural diversity and rejoice in what we can share with and learn from others. Above all, we should be on our guard against anything or anyone who sets out to destroy it.
As an institution, which is an integral part of city life, we once more declare our abhorrence and utter rejection of any form of injustice and pledge ourselves anew to celebrating cultural diversity and to ensuring that all members of our city feel nurtured and embraced.
Cllr Alan Waters, leader, Norwich Labour Party
Cllr Martin Schmierer, leader, Norwich Green Party
Cllr James Wright, leader, Norwich Liberal Democrats
Last week a number of Green Party councillors co-signed a similar letter that was subsequently sent to the local press condemning the surge in racist and xenophobic attacks in the UK, especially in Norwich:
We read with alarm about the worrying increase of hate crime and racial abuse reported to the police following EU referendum. Over a hundred such incidents have been reported since the UK voted to leave the European Union with some of the acts apparently making explicit reference to the decision to leave the EU.
This behaviour is completely unacceptable and it is the duty of politicians and the wider public to stand up and condemn these actions. They completely contradict the British attitude of tolerance that we in the Green Party are so proud to promote. As current or former councillors representing diverse communities across Norwich, we would like to reassure all residents that as elected representatives, we will do all we can to make people welcome and feel safe in this city.
Yours faithfully,
Martin, Richard, Lesley, Adrian, Ben, Andrew, Elizabeth, David, Jo and Simeon
Cllr Martin Schmierer (Green Party group leader on Norwich City Council)
Cllr Richard Bearman (Green Party group leader on Norfolk County Council)
Cllr Lesley Grahame (2015 Green Party parliamentary candidate for Norwich South)
Adrian Holmes (2015 Green Party parliamentary candidate for Norwich North)
Cllr Ben Price (Green Party councillor for Thorpe Hamlet Ward)
Cllr Andrew Boswell (Green Party councillor for Nelson Ward)
Cllr Elizabeth Morgan (Green Party councillor for Wensum Ward)
Cllr David Raby (Green Party councillor for Town Close Ward)
Cllr Jo Henderson (Green Party councillor for Thorpe Hamlet Ward)
Cllr Simeon Jackson (Green Party councillor for Mancroft Ward)
