Sunderland City Council, now led by Reform UK, has refused to take part in Show Racism the Red Card's campaign to light up local landmarks red, according to an exclusive report.
The charity planned to use monuments around Sunderland and Wearside for its anti-racism campaign. Last year, Penshaw Monument, Northern Spire Bridge, Hylton Castle, Fulwell Mill and Seaburn lighthouse were all lit red for the charity's Wear Red Day. That event drew 710,000 supporters and helped fund the charity's anti-racism education work.
Council cites founder's political bias
Former deputy leader Kelly Chequer asked the council to repeat the gesture this year, but Reform leader Chris Eynon refused. In a statement, Eynon said the council has a good record of lighting up monuments for good causes, but added: "This is a very different kettle of fish altogether. We don't have any plans to link up."
He pointed to the political views of the charity's founder, Ged Grebby, who in 2024 called Reform UK a "very, very dangerous organisation" and later tweeted that "racists have been involved with Nigel Farage" and that "we need to mobilise against Farage". Eynon also noted Grebby's regular attendance at Labour Party conferences and meetings with unions.
Charity free to campaign
Eynon said the council is happy to support good causes like Carers Week but has no plans to back "politically-charged organisations with an agenda". He added that he does not need an affiliation with the charity "in order to oppose racism", and that the decision should not be seen as the council stepping back from opposing racism or discrimination.
"Racism has no place in Sunderland and the council will continue to treat all residents fairly and challenge discrimination wherever it occurs," he said. He stressed the council is not preventing the charity from campaigning and that it remains free to work with schools, businesses, Sunderland AFC and others.
Charity founder responds
Grebby said he was "shocked" by the move and hoped the council would relent. He told the Mirror: "I consider it a badge of honour and I stick by what I said about Nigel Farage and Reform. What they say about immigrants is scandalous, they are constantly blaming them for society's woes."
He added: "I think it is a disgrace but it exposes them for what they are. It does not mean that the city and its people will not be supporting Wear Red Day. Sunderland football club is behind us and the Stadium of Light will be lit up red." The charity is encouraging schools and businesses to show support for Wear Red Day on Friday October 16th.
