COUNCILLORS in Sunderland have condemned the appalling scenes which took place in the city the weekend before last.
At an extraordinary meeting of the council tonight (Wednesday 14 August) Deputy Leader Councillor Kelly Chequer tabled a motion deploring the ‘completely unacceptable acts of crime and disorder’ emphasising that they were not at all representative of the city.
Seconded by Council Leader, Councillor Michael Mordey, the motion also praised the overwhelming community response as one ‘very much representative of Sunderland – with people eager to help others and repair the damage’.
“These were not patriots, or people who love their country and their city, but misinformed, misguided cowards who one by one, as diligent police investigations continue, are being met with the full force of the law.”
Condemning the events of 2 and 3 August, Council Leader, Cllr Michael Mordey
“To our residents, communities and businesses large and small – including the council’s Environmental Services team who worked through the night on the Friday to clean up the city and the very dedicated Sunderland BID team – you have done the city proud and shown the world just what the real warm, welcoming, resilient and vibrant Sunderland is all about.”
Paying tribute to all those involved in the response
He also had special praise for the police, adding:
“Thank you seems inadequate in conveying to Northumbria Police how forever grateful we are for what they did on the evening of 2nd August and what they continue to do.”
Reaching out to residents and communities targeted and most affected, Cllr Mordey said:
“I am sorry this has happened, and you’ve been made to feel afraid to go about your daily lives by this mindless minority. It’s an outrage and we will not tolerate it in our city. I am extremely grateful for your willingness to work with the council and partners on a renewed cohesion strategy and on making diversity and inclusion a fundamental pillar of our society.”
He said the council was continuing to hold discussions with Government ministers and advisors on the support needed to continue making Sunderland a ‘fantastic, diverse city to live, work, learn and play in and somewhere that all residents and communities are proud to belong to.’
He added:
“By working together, we will be stronger, better and more cohesive, building a bright future with plentiful opportunities and enjoying life in the real and wonderful Sunderland.”
Introducing the motion, Cllr Kelly Chequer, who is also Cabinet Member for Health Wellbeing and Safer Communities, said:
“I think we are all agreed that these scenes are not at all representative of Sunderland. The vast majority of residents are very proud of our city and are deeply shocked at what has happened.
“We’ve seen from the resident clean-ups, the prayer walk, messages of support, and dozens of other community spirited actions how people from all walks of life and faiths continue to show how we have a warm and welcoming city.
“We are united with community and faith leaders, along with all our partners across the city, the North East Mayor and Northumbria police and crime commissioner, in our message that Sunderland is a city that stands together and that hate, crime and violence have no place here.
“The criminal violence and unrest that we witnessed the weekend before last, is more than outweighed by good work and community spirit, and that’s going to continue.
“And the mindless minority who committed the appalling acts of crime and disorder will not stop us working together for the city and ensuring that we come back from the events better, stronger and closer together.”
