A real blow - charity hits out at Reform's decision to withdraw support for Show Racism the Red Card

Show Racism the Red Card has hit out at Reform UK- led Sunderland City Council for withdrawing support for the charity.

The decision was announced during a council meeting in which Reform Council leader Chris Eynon was asked by former Labour councillor Kelly Chequer whether the council would be supporting Show Racism the Red Card’s Wear Red Day on Friday, October 16, by lighting Sunderland’s landmarks red.

She added: “Will Sunderland again show commitment to being a proudly anti-racist city?”

She also asked whether the council will be supporting White Ribbon Day in the fight against domestic violence.

Whilst Cllr Eynon confirmed support for White Ribbon Day, adding: “With regards Show Racism the Red Card, this is a totally different kettle of fish. We don’t have any plans to link up with this charity due to the very stark political bias of its CEO Ged Grebby.”

Cllr Eynon went on to cite social media posts, including labelling Reform UK as a politically dangerous party, before adding “we have no plans to support politically charged organisations with an agenda”.

Mr Grebby assumes the withdrawal of support also affects £30,000 of funding from the previous Labour council.

He said: “It’s really disappointing after 30 years of supporting our charity, and being first council to fund our work in schools, the council have decided not only to not support Wear Red Day, but presumably end funding.

“We’re really concerned. £30,000 is a lot of money which provides us with opportunities to go into schools and this is a real blow.

“We’ll be lobbying the Council to hopefully get them to reverse this decision.”

On the reference made to Ged’s political views, he added: “I’m entitled to my own political views and I think Reform is a dangerous political party.

“But our charity is non-party-political and we’ve got support of all major parties. Reform Sunderland is now the first party not to support us.

“The people of Sunderland have traditionally demonstrated a welcoming, inclusive and anti-racist attitude, and I believe it’s important voters see this decision as evidence the council are unsupportive of equality, diversity and inclusion initiatives.”

The charity published a statement condemning the decision.

A spokesperson said: “Through the 12-year history of the initiative, Sunderland Council have shown their support by lighting key community and cultural assets red and promoting positive anti-racism messages. Statements made indicate no such support will be in place this year.

“At a time when racism is on the rise throughout the UK and Europe, support for initiatives like Wear Red Day and the work of anti-racism organisations is more important than ever – demonstrating visible solidarity with those who face racism and prompting conversations about the treatment of people based on aspects of their identity.”

Sunderland MP Bridget Phillipson said she “was shocked but not surprised by the decision” and added: “Once again Reform have shown they care more about political posturing than they do about standing up for what’s right. They must reverse this decision.”

Sunderland Central MP Lewis Atkinson said the decision “beggared belief”.

The decision has also been slammed by SAFC legend Gary Bennett, a long time supporter of the charity.