Agenda item

NOTICE OF MOTION SUBMITTED BY COUNCILLOR LIAM BOWEN

Addressing Racism in Carmarthenshire

The harrowing death of George Floyd in the USA and the weeks of protest and debate that have followed has given us all an opportunity to reflect on the harsh reality of racism across the world. We pride ourselves on being a caring, open and inclusive County, but it has to be openly acknowledged that sadly elements of racism and intolerance remain within our society today. It is therefore incumbent on this Council to formally recognise these failings, reach out to the BAME community, formulate proactive educational programmes and undertale a re-evalutaion of our historical monuments in the light of recent events. Therefore:

This Council

  • Makes a clear and unequivocal statement that it abhors racism, prejudice and discrimination in all its forms – past and present.
  • Supports the message of ‘Black Lives Matter’ and believes in the right of citizens to protest peacefully in a safe environment
  • Recognises the importance of BAME communities in our county and commits to working with them we aim to educate, identify and eradicate racism in Carmarthenshire.

The council will:

  • Listen to the voice of BAME communities in our county and will set up a Cross Party Task and Finish group to take evidence to ensure that their concerns, fears and proposals are fully heard and informs future policy
  • Work with the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner to deal with racism, prejudice and discrimation within the judicial system

·         Continue to learn from historical events in a factually balanced approach

  • Commit to working with our schools to include the themes of colonialism, exploitation, discrimination and racism in the new National Curriculum and in lifelong learning
  • Undertake a review of public monuments, including the one to Thomas Picton in Carmarthen, as well as street names and report upon their appropriateness in 21st century Wales
  • Embrace Black History Month (October) by holding public events to highlight the reality of the negative impact of racial inequality and celebrate the contribution made by BAME communities to our local and national life

 

Minutes:

(NOTE: Councillor A. Lenny had earlier declared an interest in this item)

 

Council considered the following Notice of Motion submitted by Councillor
Liam Bowen:-

 

Addressing Racism in Carmarthenshire

The harrowing death of George Floyd in the USA and the weeks of protest and debate that have followed has given us all an opportunity to reflect on the harsh reality of racism across the world. We pride ourselves on being a caring, open and inclusive County, but it has to be openly acknowledged that sadly elements of racism and intolerance remain within our society today. It is therefore incumbent on this Council to formally recognise these failings, reach out to the BAME community, formulate proactive educational programmes and undertale a re-evalutaion of our historical monuments in the light of recent events. Therefore:

This Council

  • Makes a clear and unequivocal statement that it abhors racism, prejudice and discrimination in all its forms – past and present.
  • Supports the message of ‘Black Lives Matter’ and believes in the right of citizens to protest peacefully in a safe environment
  • Recognises the importance of BAME communities in our county and commits to working with them we aim to educate, identify and eradicate racism in Carmarthenshire.

The council will:

  • Listen to the voice of BAME communities in our county and will set up a Cross Party Task and Finish group to take evidence to ensure that their concerns, fears and proposals are fully heard and informs future policy
  • Work with the Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner to deal with racism, prejudice and discrimination within the judicial system

·        Continue to learn from historical events in a factually balanced approach

  • Commit to working with our schools to include the themes of colonialism, exploitation, discrimination and racism in the new National Curriculum and in lifelong learning
  • Undertake a review of public monuments, including the one to Thomas Picton in Carmarthen, as well as street names and report upon their appropriateness in 21st century Wales
  • Embrace Black History Month (October) by holding public events to highlight the reality of the negative impact of racial inequality and celebrate the contribution made by BAME communities to our local and national life

The motion was duly seconded.

 

The following amendment to the motion was proposed by Councillor F. Akhtar that amended bullet points one and five only within Councillor Bowen’s Motion ie:

 

The council will:

  • Listen to the voice of BAME communities in our county and will set up a Cross Party Task and Finish group to take evidence to ensure that their concerns, fears and proposals are fully heard and informs future policy, with the group completing the work within six months.
  • Welcome the First Minister’s announcement to undertake a national review of public monuments, including the one to Thomas Picton in Carmarthen, as well as street names and report upon their appropriateness in 21st century Wales

 

The amendment was duly seconded

 

The proposer and seconder of the Amendment were afforded the opportunity of speaking in support thereof and outlined the reasons for its submission.

 

A number of statements were made in support of the amendment. 

 

The Council was advised that the proposer and seconder of the original motion accepted the amendment.

 

The amendment thereupon became the substantive motion

 

Council was advised that if the substantive motion was supported it would be referred to the Executive Board.

 

UNANIMOUSLY RESOLVED that the Substantive Motion be supported and referred to the Executive Board.

 

 

Supporting documents:

 

Council & Democracy

The Council

Councillors, AMs and MPs

Council departments

Have your say

Committees & Meetings

Strategies and plans