BARNSLEY’S Labour group are set to call for the council’s flagship ‘No Place for Hate’ pledge to be reaffirmed at next week’s full council meeting.

They have submitted a motion calling for the pledge to be formally readopted and reaffirmed, following the election results and changes in the council administration.

The pledge was first introduced in November 2022 and signed by the leaders of all political parties in Barnsley, committing the council to tackling hate and discrimination across the borough, including on social media.

Councillor James Higginbottom, leader of the local Labour group, told the Chronicle: “We feel that the recent changes in the council composition and the new administration mean that it is an ideal opportunity for all councillors to formally reaffirm their commitment to No Place for Hate in Barnsley.

“We know that residents in Barnsley are worried and concerned about the extent to which the new administration is truly committed to supporting every resident in Barnsley, regardless of their background.

“Whether it is the decision not to fly the Pride flag or to defend the appalling revelations that one of their councillors has previously worn a Swastika tattoo - the public are rightly asking whether No Place for Hate is still supported by Barnsley Council.

“The Labour Group fully supports No Place for Hate and want to see the Council reaffirm its collective commitment.

“We are confident that all councillors, regardless of political persuasion, will want to come together and show their support for the No Place for Hate campaign - to demonstrate to the public of Barnsley that there truly is no place for hatred, discrimination and bigotry in our borough.”