Plymouth City Council has renewed its commitment to making Plymouth a city that welcomes and respects all members of the community and does not tolerate racism or discrimination of any kind.
The Council’s new leader Nick Kelly says his administration is ensuring that tackling discrimination and reducing inequalities is a high priority by setting up a new equalities working group reporting to the Cabinet to help oversee this vital work.
It has also embedded the commitment to ensuring Plymouth is a welcoming city in the Council’s new Corporate Plan agreed by Cabinet on 8 June.
He said: “As a new administration we are very clear that making sure Plymouth is a friendly, welcoming city must be a high priority. As part of this we have set up an equalities group that will oversee this work and ensure we are doing all we can to fight discrimination and reduce inequalities.
“Plymouth has a proud record of being a welcoming city and we want to build on the excellent work already done. The diversity of our city is one of our greatest strengths and assets, and we want Plymouth to be recognised as welcoming, safe, international and with a vibrant cultural offer.
“Unfortunately – like in all cities – there is a very small minority of people who do not treat others with tolerance and respect.
“I was saddened in my first weeks in office to hear from one resident who had witnessed a verbal attack on a couple in the city for speaking in French. I have spoken to her about what happened and clearly we cannot tolerate this sort of behaviour. Any racism of this nature should be reported to the police or to the Council so it can be investigated. No one should have to fear being abused in this way whilst living in or visiting our city.”
Any form of hate crime can be reported to the Council through its website.