Observer column 16 August 2024

It's been a tense and scary couple of weeks in the UK. 

Most of us have been shocked and appalled by the organised racist and Islamophobic acts of violence that we have witnessed in towns and cities across the country. Our town was named on a far-right target list, representing an attempt to intimidate and cause terror within our communities of colour, Muslims, refugees and immigrants, and create division amongst us. But in Hastings that threat was not realised. Instead, on both Wednesday and Saturday, hundreds turned out in peaceful solidarity and I am grateful to all of you who joined in. Instead of the threatened destructive demonstration of anger and resentment, we saw a tremendous, moving show of solidarity, as people surged onto the streets to make clear that the violence and hatred was not in their name. I spoke to this at the anti-racist rally on Saturday.

It is good to note that serious and swift sentencing of some rioters has occurred this week. It would be even better to see all instigators of violence facing the full force of the law, and in particular those on social media, who through their language and constant scapegoating of migrants and refugees create the conditions that allow this hatred and violence to grow.
As a community we are going to have to continue to keep showing up and demonstrating that the vocal minority who have been stirred up by so-called influencers do not represent this country or this town. Hastings is a community of sanctuary and embraces people of all races and faiths who have enriched our town with their energy, skills and culture. We owe huge thanks to our police and emergency services who work tirelessly to keep us safe, and to all our volunteer organisations and individuals who are striving to bring our communities together, to prevent division and hatred from taking hold.

This week we reached the first 100-day milestone of our Green-run council and I am proud of what we have achieved so far, from agreeing on a budget of twenty nine million pounds to buy housing to help address the homelessness crisis and  committing to building new council homes for the first time in over 25 years to small but important acts like enabling community composting sites in St Leonards Warrior Square Gardens and Gensing Gardens. If you want to get a sense of what our new councillors have been up to then do take a look at Councillor Adele Bates' Facebook page where she has documented the experience of her first 100 days.

Given that county council elections are happening next year, East Sussex County Council has shared a video containing interviews with existing councillors, and encouraging people from all walks of life to come forward and represent their communities. Do take a look.