Our Anti-Racism Commitment

Our pledge to be an anti-racist council

At the end of November 2020, the Town Council passed an anti-racist resolution as follows:

The Black Lives Matter Movement was set up in 2013 after the death of Trayvon Martin and subsequent acquittal of his killer. Global protests increased following the killing of George Floyd in June 2020, for which Minneapolis police officers were charged with second-degree murder (and aiding and abetting second-degree murder).

Peaceful protests in support of Black Lives Matter have been held in Weston super Mare and throughout the UK. Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people are 54% more likely than white people to be fined under the new coronavirus lockdown laws in the UK. Around two-thirds of healthcare staff who have died as a result of COVID-19 are people of colour whereas they make up 20% of the overall workforce.

Racism in all forms, both structural and in individuals, continues to be a serious and often unseen problem in the UK. Although progress has been made in combating racism, work to eradicate it entirely is far from complete. This Council, representing people in Weston super Mare has a duty as a public leader to actively lead that work. Thus:

That the Council resolves as follows:

1. To stand together unreservedly with black people in Weston-super-Mare
2. To work to eradicate racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, Antisemitism and discrimination which impact the entire community and blight our society.
3. To establish further initiatives to ensure Weston-super-Mare is actively inclusive and anti-racist.
4. To initiate a review involving Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic members of our community of our processes, policies and organisational attitudes, hold listening and engagement events seeking the views of people of colour on the issues rising from recent protests, and work with and support Community groups, youth groups, and places of worship in engaging with these issues.
5. To update our Equalities Policy and produce a plan addressing matters identified by these reviews and consultations.
6. To invite appropriate speakers on these issues to deliver training which will be mandatory for staff and expected for all councillors.

The council is committed to implementing this, and working with black and ethnic minority members of our communities will begin to develop an action plan.

Council of Sanctuary

On Monday 24th March, Weston-super-Mare Town Council began the process to secure designation as a ‘Council of Sanctuary’. A vote was taken and motion carried. It was resolved that:

• Weston-super-Mare Town Council supports City of Sanctuary U.K. in its vision that the U.K. be a welcoming place of safety for all and is proud to offer sanctuary to people fleeing violence and persecution. You can view the full minutes of the meeting here:

So, what does this mean? We would like to first explain what Weston-super-Mare Town Council can and can’t do since this motion was passed, whilst also addressing some of the concerns which have been brought to our attention:

• Weston-super-Mare Town Council have no powers to influence or change laws and policies surrounding Immigration. Weston-super-Mare Town Council is not promoting illegal immigration.

• Weston-super-Mare Town Council does not now become a Council of Sanctuary automatically. This is a process which could take anywhere from 1 – 3 years, or even longer. There is a cost of £150 per year for 3 years for us to be a member of the local authority network. No other costs apart from some officer time for community outreach and engagement as example.

• All Weston-super-Mare Town Council meetings are open to the public with Agendas, Minutes and Reports published on our website here: https://wsm-tc.gov.uk/your-council/committee-agendas-minutes/

City of Sanctuary UK works with individuals, groups and organisations in every area and in every sector to encourage inclusivity, solidarity and compassion for people from a forced displacement background. What would this mean in Weston-super-Mare?

• Weston-super-Mare Town Council is continuing its ethos of being welcoming and fair to everyone in the community.

• We will now need to create a practical plan and work with local organisations to ensure services work well for all residents.

• We will hold community engagement sessions so everyone who lives in the parish of Weston super Mare can be heard.

• We aim to create a more cohesive community where everyone feels valued and can contribute positively.

We understand and have taken on board the concerns residents have raised both at the meeting and online across various Social Media Platforms. Our next steps are:

1. We only have permission to work towards Council of Sanctuary status. This does not mean it will automatically happen without further council approval following extensive Community engagement.

2. We welcome the opportunity to meet and have a conversation, listening to any concerns. We have arranged a series of in person “Council of Sanctuary Discussions” for people to attend, and there will also be online ability to air your views if you are not able to attend. We hope these will be productive and valuable discussions to further explore and understand the next steps and processes. Dates will be released shortly on our Facebook Page.

3. Development of a Strategy Framework needs to occur to outline the parameters of what needs to be done and provide clarity on the process. Any Council of Sanctuary status strategic framework must be approved by council, it cannot happen without this.

Information on any Council Meetings can be found here: https://wsm-tc.gov.uk/your-council/committee-agendas-minutes/

Meetings

We hold community meetings if you would like to attend these meetings, please email development@wsm-tc.gov.uk This group is community lead and is currently working with –

Multicultural friendship association promotes companionship, tolerance, respect, solidarity and mutual trust and understanding through learning about our different cultures, traditions and beliefs. The Town Council along with other organisations sponsors this association and The Mayor is Patron in Perpetuity.

Race Equality North Somerset (RENS) is a charity promoting the rights, interests, welfare and wellbeing of minoritised ethnic communities in North Somerset.

Black Lives Matter Weston-super-Mare is a group for, in solidarity with and supporting Weston-super-Mare’s BAME community and BAME folks around the world. End white silence. Speak up and demand an end to racism.

SARI provides free and confidential support for anyone who is a victim of hate crime. Everyone has the right to live without fear or hate.

North Somerset Council A number of interested people including the inclusion and Corporate Development Assistant.

NSPA – North Somerset Polish Association Grupa poświęconą polskosci, kulturze, sztuce, polskim tradycjom, oraz historii Polski. Grupa zachęca czlonkow/spolecznosc do promowania polskosci w kazdym jej wymiarze.

The language we use

Language is constantly evolving and not all people will feel comfortable with the same language used. We welcome continued discussion and conversation about culture and language when discussing race, racism and identity.