Council signs up to ‘Debate, not hate’

Political leaders in Cheshire West and Chester are signing up to the Local Government Association’s 'Debate not Hate' campaign.

The campaign aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the responses and support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation. 

Councillor Louise Gittins, Leader of Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “We understand as politicians, that debating and disagreeing with one another is a healthy part of democracy, but abuse and intimidation crosses the line into dangerous territory, particularly when it is frequent and constant. Some of the behaviour local councillors are seeing towards them is totally unacceptable and crosses that line.

“Increasing levels of toxicity in public and political discourse is having a detrimental impact of local democracy.  Our motion to full Council states that prevention, support and responses to abuse and intimidation of local politicians must improve to ensure councillors feel safe and able to continue representing their residents.”

Cllr Margaret Parker, Leader of the Conservative group said: “Part of life on all councils and councillors often means dealing with and making difficult decisions on behalf of our residents. Debating and discussion in local democracy is healthy and abuse and intimidation are unacceptable. Councillors are here to represent their local communities and want to continue to do that but need communities to support them in doing so. Councillors also need to set an example by treating each other with respect too.”

 “Cllr Gillian Edwards, representing the Independent group of councillors said: “We are delighted that Cheshire West and Chester has given cross-party support to the Debate not hate campaign.  We are proud to represent a Council that has pledged its commitment to be a compassionate Council, putting people at is core and promoting kindness and unity.  A fundamental element of Debate not hate is zero-tolerance and we welcome this as abuse of any form is not acceptable in any walk of life. 

“Community cohesion embraces diversity and freedom of speech whilst respecting and accepting the views of others.   Being an elected member is an immense privilege but can sometimes provoke unnecessary negativity and criticism, which may deter individuals who are passionate to improve their communities from putting themselves forward for election.”

Cllr Paul Roberts, Liberal Democrat Group Leader, said: “Discussing things in a courteous and respectful way is always so much better than causing anger by just shouting abuse. I’m delighted that the LGA has initiated this campaign, and that all the Groups on Cheshire West and Chester Council are signing up to it so positively.”

A survey of all councillors in England which took place earlier this year, found that seven in 10 respondents experienced abuse or intimidation in the last 12 months. Only 27 per cent reported to have never had any such experiences.*

*Executive Summary : Debate Not Hate, the impact of abuse on local democracy, LGA