Newcastle City Council has confirmed it will light up the Tyne Bridge and the Civic Centre in red on October 16 to support Show Racism the Red Card’s annual Wear Red Day. The move follows decisions by two Reform UK-led neighbouring councils to end their backing for the anti-racism charity.
Reform councils withdraw support
Sunderland City Council ended its formal association with the charity last month, while Gateshead Council subsequently announced it had rejected a request to light the Millennium Bridge red on the same date. Reform UK said it was “committed to equality” but claimed that Show Racism the Red Card was “overtly party-political”.
Sunderland’s Reform group said its decision “should not be interpreted as the council stepping back from its opposition to racism or discrimination” and alleged that “Show Racism the Red Card has increasingly become involved in activity which goes beyond straightforward anti-racism education and enters the political arena”. In announcing its Millennium Bridge decision, the Gateshead Reform UK group claimed chief executive Ged Grebby was “closely associated with the Labour Party and claims that racists are emboldening us”.
Newcastle’s cross-party response
Colin Ferguson, the Liberal Democrat leader of Newcastle City Council, said: “Newcastle has long supported Show Racism the Red Card, and I’m proud of our reputation as a city that is warm, friendly and welcoming to everyone. We are famously a city of black and white.
“I have called the North East home for over 20 years. I have made my life here and my children were born here. I’ve raised concerns recently about those who are seeking to divide us when we need to be bringing people together. Initiatives like this are an opportunity to unite communities and should be widely celebrated.
“We will proudly be lighting the Tyne Bridge and our Civic Centre red on October 16. I’ll be wearing a red tie for the day, and I’d invite people across the city to join me – wear red and support the day.”
Charity responds
Ged Grebby, chief executive of Show Racism the Red Card, said he was “disappointed” by Sunderland City Council’s decision, which drew criticism from figures including former Sunderland AFC captain Gary Bennett. He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “We are delighted that Newcastle City Council are supporting our day. It is great to have cross-party support for the campaign.
“The Tyne Bridge is an iconic structure and we will also be raising our flag at the Civic Centre with some ex-footballers. We are a broad church, not a political organisation. We accept cross-party support and always have done.”
