Issue - meetings

(i)         Black Lives Matter

To consider the following motion submitted by the Labour Group.

“That Council notes with serious concern the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in America on 25th May 2020 and the systemic racism towards black people that continues to exist around the world.

Council also notes the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in the UK and that decisive action needs to be taken to mitigate these risks on sections of our community.

Council welcomes the decision to light the Clock Tower purple on 2nd June 2020 in commemoration of George Floyd’s unnecessary death and all those who have died because of racism in public life.

Council also welcomes the progress that has been made in Stevenage over a number of years to build community cohesion and strengthen the voice of those who are marginalised, but recognises that there is more we can and must do.

That Council resolves:

•         To stand in solidarity with black people in Stevenage, Britain and around the world.

•         To lobby government for immediate action to address the disproportionate impact of Covide-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in the UK including here in Hertfordshire where we will continue to work with our Director of Public Health on this issue.

•         To lobby government and the county council on racial inequality in education, including recruiting more black teachers and reforming the curriculum to fully reflect British history including the history of slavery empire and colonialism.

•         To ensure the Council’s HR and management policies fully meet the requirements for equalities, diversity and inclusion in the recruitment and career progression of all staff.

•         To establish wider community dialogue with BAME Community organisations to make clear recommendations to the Council and other public bodies of further actions required to tackle discrimination and reduce inequalities across the town.

•         To work with our partners in Stevenage Together to ensure we are all listening and engaging with our black community as we plan the future of our town together.”

(ii)       Primett Road Car Park

To consider the following motion submitted by Liberal Democrat Group.

“That in the interests of helping businesses in the Old Town, Primett Road Car Park should be made free to use for the first 3 hours, for an initial period of 6 months or until the former Waitrose building returns to retail use, whichever is the sooner.”

(i)         Black Lives Matter

Councillor Michelle Gardner moved and Councillor Jackie Hollywell seconded a motion (as set out in the agenda) in respect of Black Lives Matter.

The following amendment was moved by Councillor Stephen Booth and seconded by Councillor Robin Parker CC:

“Second paragraph:

Insert in line 2 after "minority ethnic" in brackets: "(BAME)"

Third paragraph:

Delete words in line 3: "in public life"

First bulleted point:

In first line delete word "black" and replace with "BAME"

Second bulleted point:

In second line delete words: "Black, Asian and minority ethnic" and replace with "BAME"

Fourth bulleted point:

At end of sentence add words "and that racial awareness and bias training is available to all staff in management and customer facing roles."

Sixth bulleted point:

In first line add after "we are" word "particularly". In second line delete word "black" and replace with "BAME"”

Following debate, and upon being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

The following further amendment was moved by Councillor Phil Bibby CC and seconded by Councillor Adam Mitchell CC:

·            Bullet point 2 - Delete “'To lobby government for immediate action...”, and replace with “To recognize the actions being taken by the Government and County Council…”

·            Bullet point 3 - Delete “To lobby government and county council...”, and replace with “To recognize the actions being taken by the Government, County Council and Herts for Learning…”

Following debate, and upon being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

Following further debate on the substantive motion, and upon it being put to the vote, it was RESOLVED:

“That Council notes with serious concern the death of George Floyd at the hands of police in America on 25th May 2020 and the systemic racism towards black people that continues to exist around the world.

Council also notes the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in the UK and that decisive action needs to be taken to mitigate these risks on sections of our community.

Council welcomes the decision to light the Clock Tower purple on 2nd June 2020 in commemoration of George Floyd’s unnecessary death and all those who have died because of racism in public life.

Council also welcomes the progress that has been made in Stevenage over a number of years to build community cohesion and strengthen the voice of those who are marginalised, but recognises that there is more we can and must do.

That Council resolves:

•            To stand in solidarity with black people in Stevenage, Britain and around the world.

•            To lobby government for immediate action to address the disproportionate impact of Covide-19 on Black, Asian and minority ethnic people in the UK including here in Hertfordshire where we will continue to work with our Director of Public Health on this issue.

•            To lobby government and the county council on racial inequality in education, including recruiting more black teachers and reforming the curriculum to fully reflect British history including  ...  view the full decision text for item 10.