Reform UK criticised over council’s ‘cruel’ decision to withdraw support for Show Racism the Red Card

A Reform UK led council is facing backlash over its decision to withdraw support for anti-racism charity criticised, Show Racism the Red Card.

Anti-racism education in some schools will now be scrapped after the city council said it would no longer support “politically charged organisations with an agenda”.

Show Racism the Red Card, one of the UK’s leading anti-racism educational charity, is backed by a number of high-profile footballers including Harry Kane and former England manager Gareth Southgate.

The Reform UK council confirmed its decision to withdraw support for the charity, claiming it had done so because it had “increasingly become involved in activity which goes beyond straightforward anti-racism education and enters the political arena”.

Ged Grebby, Chief Executive of Show Racism the Red Card said he was “disappointed” by the statement of the council’s leader, Chris Eynon, pointing to the charity’s roots in North East.

“Show Racism the Red Card have worked with Sunderland City Council throughout its 30 year history, and are proud of the charity’s North East roots. We are disappointed in the statement made by the Leader of Sunderland City Council stating that they will not be supporting Wear Red Day this year,” he said.

“In our experience, the people of Sunderland have traditionally demonstrated a welcoming, inclusive and anti-racist attitude, and believe it is important that voters see this decision as further evidence that the Council are unsupportive of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.”

Former Sunderland AFC captain and patron of the charity Gary Bennett said he was “shocked and disappointed” at the decision.

“We’re not a political charity – they’re trying to say we are but we’re not,” he told The Guardian. “Sunderland were the first council to come onboard to help fund us, that’s the annoying thing. For something like this to happen now, we just want to know the reasons why.”

The decision has sparked a political row, with government minister Bridget Phillipson who launched a petition against the move.

“The Reform UK council’s decision is being exposed for what it is – misguided, cruel and in no way backed by the people of Sunderland,” she said.

Meanwhile, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick said it was entirely “reasonable” for the council to cut its ties with the charity.

“I don't know what the argument is behind not giving the money to that organisation, but do I think it's reasonable, Nick, for a local authority to make choices about what charities and organisations they support? Yeah, absolutely,” he told LBC.

Reform UK Sunderland shared a statement on the matter on Tuesday, taking issue with Mr Grebby describing the party as a “very, very dangerous organisation”.

“It is simply our view that there must be a clear distinction between the council unequivocally opposing racism and the council formally funding or endorsing one particular campaigning organisation that has entered into party politics,” they said.

“The council does not need an affiliation with Show Racism the Red Card in order to oppose racism. We can and will continue to promote equality under the law, challenge overt discrimination and ensure respect for every resident in Sunderland independently.”