A TRIO of St John’s councillors are urging people to stand up against racism by wearing a safety pin.
Alarmed at the recent increase in racism and xenophobia following the EU Referendum, Labour councillors, Richard Udall, Matt Lamb and Chris Cawthorne launched the Safety Pin Campaign which aims to show solidarity with the UK’s immigrants.
Started on Twitter by a woman from London, the campaign currently has 30,000 people who have pledged their support and offered their friendship to people in fear of hate.
County Councillor Richard Udall said: “It has been reported to us that the police have seen a dramatic rise in reported hate crime in recent weeks.
“Whatever individual difference of opinion might have been over the EU referendum, it does not excuse or condone any form of hate crime.
“We want to offer assurances to anybody who needs us that we are willing and able to help”.
“The poppy at Cripplegate Park commemorates those who fell in battle fighting racism, intolerance and prejudice.
“It is a symbol of remembrance and peace, many gave their lives to protect our freedoms and their sacrifices deserve our respect today.”
The councillors are also urging local traders to display a picture of a safety pin in their shop windows to show that their businesses are willing and able to offer help, assistance and safety to anybody fearing abuse.
Coun Chris Cawthorne said: “If people wear the pin and support the campaign they are saying they are prepared to be part of the solution.
“It could be by confronting racist behaviour, or if that is not possible at least documenting it.
“More generally it is about reaching out to people and letting them know they are safe and welcome.”
Coun Matt Lamb said: “It is hoped it will be a real safety pin.
“People who feel fear from hate crime, racism or any kind of prejudice can identify people wearing a safety pin as a friend.
“We want to offer a hand of friendship to people who fear the hate that we have seen in recent days.”
