Peterborough Conservatives to reject calls for a review on street names for potential racist links

Citizenship ceremonies have been carried out at the Town Hall

A motion has been put forward by Liberal Democrat city councillor Chris Wiggin which will be voted on at Full Council which is being held tonight.The wide-ranging motion seeks to use the momentum generated by the Black Lives Matters movement following the killing of George Floyd which sparked widespread protests, including in Peterborough.

A number of councils have pledged to review their statues and monuments, and Cllr Wiggin, member for Hampton Vale, is calling for Peterborough to follow suit.

However, today cllr Steve Allen, from the Peterborough Conservative Group said: “The Conservative Group on Peterborough City Council have carefully considered Motion 12, to be tabled by Councillor Christopher Wiggin of the Liberal Democrat Party.

“We have unanimously agreed to oppose this Motion on a number of grounds.

“This is a very complex issue and the motion has elements that need to be considered further including the petition before Council regarding our City’s historic statues and long standing street names; and fact we have no power to set the school’s curriculum.

“However, we feel that this is an opportune moment for the Council to conduct a review in relation to our commitment towards Equalities legislation.

“It should be noted that: This administration has consistently demonstrated, through action, its support of equality, diversity, integration and cohesion over many, many years.

“We enjoy highly positive, respectful and meaningful relationships with faith and community leaders, and have stood side-by-side with them on many occasions to show our support and respect.

“The Black Lives Matter movement, and the recent events in Peterborough, shine a light on the themes of equality and diversity, and this Council will continue to demonstrate in meaningful ways our continued support for all of our residents and visitors, no matter what their background.

“The Cabinet Member for Communities will be asking the relevant Director to recommend to the Adults and Communities Scrutiny Committee the creation of a task and finish group to review the Council’s own policies, procedures and practices with a view to ensuring they are inclusive and non-discriminatory to all people.”