The Reform UK leader of St Helens Council has been accused of being obsessed with "culture war nonsense" after announcing an end to Black History Month in the town. Cllr George Woodward, who was installed earlier this year after his party swept to power in the local elections, announced on Thursday that the council would no longer be observing the month aimed at understanding black heritage and culture.
Political backlash over decision
The decision has sparked condemnation and concern, with David Baines, Labour MP for St Helens North, telling the ECHO Cllr Woodward had a "twisted world view" as he accused the council leader of being "utterly obsessed with American-style identity politics and culture war nonsense".
Black History Month is observed every October and looks at the achievements, history and contributions of black people in the UK.
Council leader's statement
Announcing the change in policy, Cllr Woodward posted on his official account: "We don't care if you're black. We don't care if you're Asian. The only thing that matters is if you love our country and respect British culture. Moreover, it's not appropriate for celebrations to centre on one skin tone. To be frank, it's racist and divisive."
"Finally, it's a poor use of officer resources. Taxpayer's money shouldn't be contributing to subversive woke movements. Your council will always stand up for British culture and will make no apology for it."
Public and political reactions
In response to the social media post, one person said: "Uneducated and dangerous rhetoric. The month is about promoting union, sharing culture, dispelling myths and lies, joy and peace. This is a dangerous tactic."
Another said: "Black History Month is not a celebration of a skin tone - but you know that already. It is an opportunity to recognise and understand a part of British history that has often been intentionally omitted from the way Britain tells its own story."
The council leader's controversial decision follows previous announcements where he said St Helens would no longer be supporting or promoting Pride events, as well as confirming the local authority would be withdrawing support and funding for Refugee Week events.
Mr Baines said: "Senior Reform politicians have spent the week arguing that if you aren't white you can't be English. On BBC Question Time last night they said exactly that. It's racist."
This follows Reform MP Suella Braverman's appearance on the show on Thursday, where she was accused of suggesting non-white people cannot be English. This followed her insistence that she herself was not English, despite being born in England and living in it for her whole life.
Mr Baines added: "Reform are a party increasingly obsessed with identity politics and stoking division, so perhaps we shouldn't really be surprised that Reform councillors in St Helens are so against the teaching of black history."
"Calling it a 'subversive woke movement' tells you everything you need to know about Cllr Woodward and his twisted world view. Since becoming Leader he has spent a worrying amount of time attacking minorities."
"I believe we need more education, not less. Cllr Woodward clearly disagrees. He is depriving our schools of the opportunity to teach history and promote community cohesion. We should all be concerned about his motives."
"Our library staff and schools who will now miss out know the value of education, and I encourage any residents concerned to direct their questions and comments to local Reform councillors and not council staff."
"I would love for Reform to get on with running services and promoting all that's great about St Helens. But this is who they are - utterly obsessed with American-style identity politics and culture war nonsense."
"This sort of stuff has dragged us down enough and it is taking us to a very dark place. We need to draw a line on dangerous rubbish like this and move on together to make the country we all love the best place it can possibly be."
