‘Hate isn't welcome here’: District council for Banbury passes motion to tackle racism, antisemitism and anti-Muslim hatred

The motion was proposed by Labour councillor Dom Vaitkus, who represents Grimsbury and Hightown ward, after he read figures from Thames Valley Police showing recorded religious hate crimes had risen by 40 per cent and racist hate crimes by 6.5 per cent over the past year.

It rejected the suggestion that Zionism is racism, while stressing that opposition to antisemitism should not restrict legitimate political debate about the Israeli Government. It also backed a two-state solution to the conflict in the Middle East.

The motion also raised concerns about the rise in recorded religious and racist hate crimes in Oxfordshire, as well as reports of harassment, threats and other forms of hatred experienced by residents.

It was passed following a recorded vote, with all councillors voting in favour except four of the five Reform UK councillors, who abstained.

Following the vote Cherwell District Council reaffirmed its commitment to tackling discrimination, racism, antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of hatred and prejudice affecting residents across the district.

Speaking afterwards, Cllr Vaitkus said: “Banbury is a diverse, hard-working town. People here should be able to get on with their lives without facing abuse or threats. With hate crime rising, the council needed to send a clear message: hate isn't welcome here.

“It’s a disgrace that four Reform councillors sat on their hands and abstained. Standing against racism shouldn't be complicated. It's basic decency, and Reform need to explain why they couldn't bring themselves to vote for it.”

Speaking at the meeting, Reform UK group leader Cllr Paul Jeffreys said he would not support the motion, arguing that the council should focus on local services, such as housing, bins, planning and fly-tipping, rather than debating international issues beyond its control.

Cllr Jeffreys said: “Let me be clear, Reform UK condemns racism, antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred and discrimination in all its forms. Every resident should be able to live free from intimidation, abuse and prejudice, as should every member of this chamber. However, I question the practical purpose served by this council debate on future political arrangements in the Middle East.

“Of course, where racism and religious hate occur within our communities, we should challenge them firmly. That is entirely appropriate and within our responsibilities. But issues surrounding complex international disputes do nothing to improve housing provision, reduce fly-tipping, determine housing applications or improve local services.”

Following the motion’s approval, the council resolved to continue challenging discrimination and prejudice, strengthen engagement with Jewish, Muslim, Black and other minority communities, and encourage councillors to promote inclusive participation in civic life.

A spokesperson for the Labour group at Cherwell District Council said: “The passed motion binds the council to challenging prejudice, working directly with local Jewish, Muslim, Black and minority groups, and promoting respect in public life.

“Cherwell Labour says Reform UK now has serious questions to answer about where they stand when local residents face harassment.”