Agenda item

Motion by Councillor R B Parker

It was moved, and seconded that:-

'On 9 March 2007 Lincolnshire County Council meeting in Full Council resolved unanimously the motion set out below:

'That this Council condemns extremism and racist behaviour in all its forms and asks all Group Leaders to sign the following declaration, as community leaders:

LINCOLNSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL DECLARATION

We, in Lincolnshire, 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 to rid Lincolnshire of racial discrimination and to enshrine the principle that individuality and universality are the foundations of justice and peace.

We declare that:

·         We value the contribution that all communities make to the quality of life in Lincolnshire and recognise ethnic and cultural diversity as a source of cultural, social and economic enrichment.

·         We endorse the principles of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and are opposed to racism in all its forms.

·         We will encourage a changing culture within the public services and the wider community that recognises the unacceptability of all forms of racism and takes action to combat it.

·         We acknowledge that progress towards a more just society may not always be smooth, but as partners we are committed to maintaining dialogue and resolving our differences.

·         We accept that without transparency and openness in the public services, progress towards a successful multi-cultural community will be hampered.

·         We believe that the composition of the public services workforce should reflect that of the wider community, and will work to break down perceptions and barriers that prevent equal access to employment.

·         We believe that all citizens should have the right to expect equal protection and equal treatment from all public services.

·         We believe that children from all backgrounds are entitled to an education free from discrimination and harassment.

·         We understand the essential role of the education system in Lincolnshire in developing the future of our multi-cultural community and commit ourselves to supporting and enhancing this work.

·         We believe that our success will properly be measured not by our policies but by our actions in promoting equality for all the people of Lincolnshire.

·           We call upon the residents of Lincolnshire to support us in this by respecting the dignity of all people and by constant vigilance for any expression of racism or racial discrimination'.

Six years on with a new council in place made up of six political groups rather than four, it is felt that the time is right to renew that declaration.

Accordingly this council agrees to re-affirm the Lincolnshire County Council Declaration of 9th March 2007 which stated that this Council condemns extremism and racist behaviour in all its forms and asks all Group Leaders to sign the declaration, as community leaders.'

In accordance with Council Procedure Rule 15(f) a recorded vote took place, the result of which was:

In favour – 60

Against – 0

Abstain – 16

The motion was carried.                                                     

RESOLVED

   That the Council agreed to re-affirm the Lincolnshire County Council Declaration of 9^th March 2007 which stated that this Council condemns extremism and racist behaviour in all its forms and asked all Group Leaders to sign the declaration, as community leaders'

Motion by Councillor C Pain

It was moved, and seconded that:-

'I propose that the council cancels all self-advertisement of itself, its councillors in the Lincolnshire County News altogether or reduce the county to one copy as a worst case scenario.'

The motion was then revised to read as follows and was moved and seconded:

'I propose that the council cancels all self-advertisement of itself, its councillors in the Lincolnshire County News and reduce the county news to one issue per year'

The revised motion upon being put to the vote, was lost.