Swindon councillors unanimously expressed their intention to combat racial prejudice and violence.

This comes in the aftermath of near-riots and serious disorder across England following the killing of three girls in Southport.

After the dreadful incident, disorder erupted across the county in a number of English towns and cities, including attacks on police, the smashing of windows in parts of cities with a significant ethnic minority population and even attempts to set alight hotels housing refugees and asylum seekers.

At its first meeting after the problems, which took place in late July and early August,  a motion was tabled which was proposed by Labour member Councillor Repi Begum. And seconded by the leader of the Conservative group Councillor Gary Sumner.

It said:” We express our deepest sympathy for the families of the three young girls murdered in Southport and to all those injured.

“We condemn those who seek to exploit this appalling tragedy to divide communities around the country. As councillors representing Swindon, we are shocked and saddened at last month’s violent disorder across the UK.

“We are united in condemning all acts of racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, brutality and violence.”

The motion says that the councillors are “united in our determination and commitment to bring our communities together and stand in solidarity against those who would seek to divide us.

“We are proud to represent a town of many faiths, and we commit to support and defend those who are targeted because of their religious beliefs.

“We will continue to work with the government and law enforcement agencies as well as grassroots organisations in tackling all forms of discrimination.”

As a result of the unanimous passing of the resolution the Build a Fair Swindon policy formulation committee  will be asked to prepare a report  on what the council can do to best “support social cohesion in the town and work with schools, libraries, charities and other organisations to deliver this; and look at whether the Council policies around equalities, diversity and inclusion are robust, up to date and can be strengthened.”

Councillor Sumner and the council leader Councillor Jim Robbins are mandated to invite Swindon City of Sanctuary and the Harbour Project to reiterate the council’s full support for their efforts and to discuss how best it can work effectively with the organisations.

Labour, Conservative and Liberal Democrat councillors all voted in favour of the motion.