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07
Aug 2024
North Yorkshire Council boss writes to reassure staff following riots
The riots that have affected towns and cities around the country in recent days have prompted the chief executive of North Yorkshire Council to write to staff with advice on how to deal with the situation.
In an email, which has been seen by the Stray Ferret, Richard Flinton references the Southport knife attack, in which three children were murdered, saying that it acted as a “terrible trigger for racist violence” in places “very near to North Yorkshire”, such as Darlington, Middlesborough and Hartlepool.
He writes:
There has not been any incident in North Yorkshire, but we need to be on our guard that there could be, or indeed in our neighbouring city of York.
I am aware that some of our colleagues from an ethnic minority background, and others, feel frightened at the moment. They worry whether an incident can happen in their town, or a town that they may be working in, or whether they may encounter people who are spreading this type of hateful, racist message.
He also expresses the hope that the country will pass through the current “difficult phase” quickly, and encourages staff to help that to happen by being watchful for issues that should be reported to the police.
In an attached 'statement of support’, Mr Flinton said:
All members of the local communities, customers and other employees have a right to be treated with fairness and equity. North Yorkshire is place to call home for all.
Part of Mr Flinton's 'statement of support'.
North Yorkshire Council is one of the region's biggest employers, with about 15,000 staff, many of whom work in the Harrogate district.
Mr Flinton said the council is working closely with other local authorities and the police to monitor the situation across North Yorkshire.
He goes on to give advice and guidance for managers and staff as the unrest continues.
Managers are reminded that largescale protests may make travelling to and from work problematic, so they are asked to discuss commuting plans with staff.
Employees are also to avoid city centres and areas where protests or unrest are expected. The document says:
This may add additional mileage and travel time on to journeys and should be planned appropriately and discussed with line managers.
Tom Gordon MP: 'We must stand together'
The email and guidance come at a time of heightened tension across the country. Around 400 people have been arrested following riots over the last six days, and some of the first to be charged have already been jailed.
But police chiefs are expecting more trouble, and say more than 100 far-right rallies are planned for tonight.
Harrogate and Knaresborough MP Tom Gordon said today:
A small minority of extremists have taken advantage of this tragic story to riot, carry out racially and religiously motivated attacks, destroy property and loot shops. None of this is remotely acceptable. They must now face the full force of the law. I am pleased that the Prime Minister has acted to give the police extra powers to fully prosecute all who have abused this situation to cause harm and for their own gain. My support is fully behind the police services as they do this.
For now, we must stand together as a community against this hatred and violence. I take heart from all the compassion, kindness and decency that is being shown by the vast majority of the population, including so many residents of Harrogate and Knaresborough.
There is no place for racism, hatred, Islamophobia or antisemitism in Harrogate and Knaresborough. I am sure that all who try or do incite violence will face the full force of the law.
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