Council leader stressed his party remains against all forms of racism

Reform UK-led Sunderland City Council has defended its decision to withdraw support for Show Racism the Red Card.

Councillor Chris Eynon, the leader of Sunderland City Council.

placeholder image — Councillor Chris Eynon, the leader of Sunderland City Council.

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

Penshaw Monument lit up red during last year's Wear it Red Day. | Iconic

Explaining the decision, Cllr Eynon said it was due to the political bias of the charity’s CEO Ged Grebby, against Reform UK, something he doubled down on in a statement to the Echo.

He said: “We want to be absolutely clear, this decision should not be interpreted as the Council stepping back from its opposition to racism or discrimination. Racism has no place in Sunderland, and the council will continue to treat all residents fairly and challenge discrimination.

“The issue is specifically whether Sunderland City Council should maintain a formal association with, financially support and publicly endorse campaigns of a particular external organisation.

“Show Racism the Red Card has increasingly become involved in activity which goes beyond straightforward anti-racism education and enters the political arena.”

Cllr Eynon referenced a social media post from Mr Grebby in which he described Reform as a dangerous political party.

Cllr Eynon added: “That’s particularly relevant when considering whether it’s appropriate for a local authority to continue formally associating itself with and financially supporting an organisation whose Chief Executive has made openly political comments about the party entrusted with leading that authority.

“This is not about preventing the charity from campaigning, nor an attempt to stop its work. The organisation remains entirely free to work with schools, businesses, Sunderland AFC and anybody else who wishes to support it.”

Within his statement, Cllr Eynon accused the charity of entering into the realms of political campaigning.

He said: “There must be a clear distinction between the council unequivocally opposing racism and formally funding or endorsing one particular campaigning organisation that has entered into party politics.”

Mr Grebby refuted claims the charity has political motives.

He said: “I’m entitled to my own political views, but our charity is a non-party-political - we’ve got support of all parties apart from Reform Sunderland.”