Sunderland City Council Ends 30-Year Anti-Racism Charity Partnership

The Sunderland City Council, now led by Reform UK, has terminated its 30-year partnership with the anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card. Council leader Christopher Eynon announced the decision on September 16, stating the authority will no longer support organizations he characterized as having a political agenda.

Eynon specifically pointed to the political bias of the charity's chief executive, Ged Grebby, who has described Reform UK as a dangerous organization. As part of the withdrawal, the council canceled its participation in the October 16 Wear Red Day campaign, which typically involves staff participation and the lighting of public assets in red.

Opposition members from the Labour and Liberal Democrat parties condemned the decision as cruel and pig-headed, claiming it undermines the city's image of inclusivity. Gary Bennett, a founding member of the charity, warned that the loss of support will disrupt educational workshops conducted in prisons, schools, and workplaces.

In a related development, Reform UK councillors in Bradford have proposed withdrawing from the Local Authority of Sanctuary scheme to prioritize services for local residents.