A COUNCILLOR believes Reform sent a message to Barnsley residents that they won’t ‘denounce hate’ after shooting down a motion calling for the ‘No Place For Hate’ scheme to be re-signed.

At last week’s full council meeting, the town’s Labour, Lib Dems and independent councillors called on the new Reform council to sign to formally readopt the No Place For Hate pledge - which was first agreed in November 2022 - and to commit to tackling hatred and bigotry in Barnsley.

However, the motion was voted down by Reform.

After the meeting, Labour group leader Coun James Higginbottom told the Chronicle: “The decision by the Reform UK leadership to refuse to commit to the pledge sends a resounding message to the people and communities of Barnsley about their values and vision for our town.

“This should have been a straightforward motion at full council which would have enabled all councillors to speak with one voice in rejecting hatred and bigotry in Barnsley.

“The record of Reform’s first weeks in office is leaving many residents questioning their commitment to truly representing the whole borough and our many proud and diverse communities.”

Coun David Greenhough, leader of the Lib Dems, added: “Reform have sent a message to the people of Barnsley that they won’t unite the council and denounce hate.

“They just want division in the council and division in Barnsley’s communities.

“The consequences of the decisions they are making will cost every household in Barnsley.

“They have promised so much and have delivered nothing but cuts.

Cancelling debate and stifling questions are reminiscent of a darker time in history.”

Leader William Brown accused the opposition parties of displaying hate and divide in the aftermath of former politician Ann Widdecombe’s murder.

“Unfortunately we’ve seen the hatred that’s flown across after the death of a 78-year-old woman who just supported the party.

“She was killed by hatred that divides.

“We’ve seen ex-councillors and ex-members of Labour joyfully celebrating this death which is ridiculous.

“I’ve listened carefully to the motion and Barnsley has a proud history of opposing real hatred and prejudice - that will continue.

“However the 2022 No Place For Hate pledge is too vague and has been used elsewhere suppress free speech and legitimate debate.

“Our priority must be to protect all residents of Barnsley equally.

“This means defending free speech within the law, enforcing the law firmly against genuine threats and building cohesion.

“Simply resigning the old pledge is not the answer.

“With a change in leadership we have a chance to do better.

“The administration will bring forward clear proposals soon focused on free speech and safety for every resident in the borough.

“I will not be signing the current pledge and will continue to condemn hatred without needing a slogan.”