Somerset urged to reject fear after Taunton march

Somerset residents have been urged by council leader Bill Revans to reject "fear, hostility or division" after a march by what councillors described as "far-right agitators" was held in Taunton on Saturday, 27 June.

The march began at Hamilton Park before moving through the town centre, where an anti-racism counter-demonstration also took place.

The issue was raised when Somerset Council met in Bridgwater on Wednesday, 15 July, following reports on social media that further demonstrations were being planned later in the year. One reported event was said to be planned for Hamilton Park on Saturday, 25 July, though the council discussion did not confirm who was organising it.

Councillor Habib Farbahi, Liberal Democrat member for Comeytrowe and Trull, asked what response the council was taking after the Taunton march and what assurances could be given that Somerset residents would continue to feel safe and supported. He said Somerset had a "long and proud history" of welcoming people from different backgrounds who had contributed to public services, agriculture, hospitality, engineering, manufacturing and local high streets.

He told the meeting: "They are our neighbours, colleagues, friends and fellow residents." He asked whether the council agreed that its responsibility was to bring people together, promote mutual respect and reject attempts to create hostility towards any section of the community.

Mr Revans, who represents North Petherton, said the events on June 27 had been "deeply concerning". He said that while most people present had acted peacefully and lawfully, he was "appalled" by the behaviour of a group whose actions and language, he said, sought to divide communities, intimidate others and undermine Somerset's values.

He said: "Somerset is a county built on decency, respect and neighbourliness. People from many different backgrounds, faiths and cultures have and continue to help shape our communities and have made an enormous contribution to our public services, businesses, economy and civic and community life.

"They are part of Somerset and they belong here."

Mr Revans said the council believed in dignity, equality and respect for every individual, as well as the right to free speech and peaceful protest. But he said those freedoms carried responsibilities and that there could be "no place for intimidation, harassment, hatred or attempts to set one community against another".

He added: "Fair, honest and respectful debate must always prevail over division and hostility."

The council leader said he would seek assurances from Avon and Somerset Constabulary that the public would be kept safe if future marches or similar events took place in Taunton or elsewhere in Somerset. He said he would also call on leaders of all political groups represented on the council to join him in writing to the police and the home secretary.

Mr Revans said the letter would seek assurances that sufficient resources were available to maintain public safety, protect communities and support effective policing where required. He said the council would also work through the community voices partnership to understand concerns among Somerset's diverse communities.

"This should not be a party-political issue," he said. "Keeping our communities safe, standing against intimidation, and supporting community cohesion are responsibilities shared by all of us."

Mr Revans defended the council's support for projects and events designed to bring different communities closer together. He pointed to work with the Somerset Diverse Communities project, annual Together events, the newly formed Interfaith and Belief Network, and planned work with schools on supporting children who have experienced racial discrimination.

He said Somerset Council had signed up to be an anti-racist organisation and was committed to taking action with partners and, where needed, on its own. He added that community cohesion had to be more than "good words and intention" and had to involve practical work.

His message to Somerset residents was, he said, simple: "You are valued, you are welcome and you belong."

He concluded that people could disagree robustly on policy and uphold the right to peaceful protest while still being united against intimidation, hatred and attempts to divide communities. "We should be united in rejecting behaviour that seeks to spread fear, hostility or division," he said.

Original reporting: Daniel Mumby/LDRS