Glastonbury Town Council has formally declared its opposition to racism and fascism after a lengthy and at times heated debate ended in a 12-3 recorded vote.

The motion, proposed by Cllr Jon Cousins and seconded by Cllr Serena Roney-Dougal, was passed at the Full Council meeting on Tuesday, 8 September.

It states that the council "unequivocally rejects racism and fascism as expressions of intolerance that violate basic human rights" and reaffirms its commitment to fostering an inclusive community where people feel valued and respected.

Introducing it, Cllr Cousins said: "This council unequivocally rejects racism and fascism as expressions of intolerance that violate basic human rights."

The motion also recognises the violence, systemic injustice and trauma caused by extremist ideologies and commits the council to working towards safety, equity and human dignity.

The debate quickly moved on to how fascism should be defined and whether the wording risked being interpreted too broadly.

Cllr Lili Osborn questioned whether the term needed a clearer definition, saying she was concerned it could be used to describe "anything they disagree with".

She later told the meeting: "I'm worried that this opens the door to restriction of freedom of speech because there's not a clear definition."

Cllr Rik Cook also questioned whether the declaration was necessary, telling the meeting he had not personally encountered racism in Glastonbury.

He said: "I've only been living in this town for 36 years. I do know it quite well. I have never come across any racism in this town or have been made aware of it."

That was challenged by other councillors.

Cllr Emma King referred to an earlier anti-fascist rally in Glastonbury High Street where, she said, a man had made Nazi salutes and shouted anti-Semitic comments.

She argued that racism could still exist in a predominantly white community even when it was not visible to everyone.

Cllr Osborn also rejected the suggestion that Glastonbury was free of racism, telling councillors: "If this town has got no racists, it's the only one in Britain."

She added that her mixed-race son had experienced racism in the town.

Cllr Terry Napper opposed the motion because of concerns about political supporters being labelled racist or fascist.

Referring to Reform UK, he said: "They've been called racist. They've been called fascist. We may have some Reform people coming to our table. We don't know, but I think it would be unfair if we were to call them fascists and racists."

Cllr Napper concluded that he could not support the motion on that basis.

Those speaking in favour argued that the declaration was not aimed at any particular party or individual, but was instead intended to set out the values the council wished to uphold.

Cllr Paul Manning said the focus should also be on what the council was for, including respect for all members of the community.

Cllr Serena Roney-Dougal said she supported the motion because of its commitment to an inclusive community where everyone feels valued and respected. She told the meeting she wanted the council to stand for "understanding" and "compassion".

The declaration was approved by 12 votes to three, with Cllrs Rik Cook, Lili Osborn and Terry Napper voting against. There were no abstentions.

The motion has now been formally adopted as a resolution of Glastonbury Town Council.

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