Agenda item

Consideration was given to Motion No. 164 moved by Councillor Morrish, and seconded by Councillor Wilson of which notice had been given in accordance with Council Procedure Rules No. 53-60 as follows:

 

This council should condemn all types of violence including foul or abusive language towards politicians, following the recent assassination attempt on the Republican candidate for US president.

 

The Chair stated that an amendment to the motion had been received.  A Member requested clarity on Council Procedure Rule 4.32.1 in relation to amendments to motions.  The Chair confirmed that an amendment to a motion could be moved at the meeting in accordance with Council Procedure Rule 4.32.1.  The Monitoring Officer further clarified that there was provision in the Constitution to move an amendment to a motion without  notice at the meeting and referenced Council Procedure Rule 4.30.1 h).

 

Councillor Clynch moved the following amendment to Motion No.164:

 

This council condemns violence and intimidation towards elected representatives and those seeking election.  This is in light of threats during the UK General Election and to politicians around the globe.  We especially note the growing threats to women in elections around the world.  This council resolves to make members’ safety a priority with regular training and advice.

 

The Chair sought confirmation from the proposer as to whether the amended motion was an addition to the substantive motion.  It was confirmed that the amended motion was intended to replace the substantive motion.

 

The motion was seconded by Councillor N Walker.  The Chair invited Councillor Clynch to speak on the amendment.

 

A query was raised in relation to the validity of the amendment and the Chair confirmed that the amendment did not negate the substantive motion.

 

Councillor Livingstone spoke in support of the amended motion and commented that from a procedural point of view he would like to be able to cite a constitutional provision that allowed the text of a substantive motion to be replaced entirely by an amended motion. 

 

The amended motion was put to the vote.

 

On a vote being taken the amended motion was declared CARRIED.

 

The amended motion became the substantive motion.

 

The substantive motion was put to the vote.

 

On a vote being taken the motion was declared CARRIED.

 

Consideration was given to Motion No. 165 moved by Councillor Storey, and seconded by Councillor Clynch of which notice had been given in accordance with Council Procedure Rules No. 53-60 as follows:

 

This Council unequivocally condemns the shameful violent disorder which took place in Middlesbrough on Sunday 4th August 2024.

Completely unacceptable acts of violent disorder were committed. These included disgusting racist acts, indiscriminate and senseless criminal damage to residential properties and local businesses, and police officers being attacked.

 

Our communities have been shaken by the events of Sunday 4th August and we stand in solidarity with all those feeling fearful as a result of violent thuggery and dangerous extremism which has no place in Middlesbrough.

 

This Council is proud of Middlesbrough’s welcoming history and is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and tolerant society for all. Those intent on stoking disorder and division are not welcome in our communities and do not speak for our town.

 

We pay tribute to the heroic actions of the police and other emergency service personnel who put themselves in harm’s way to protect our people, homes, and businesses on Sunday 4th August. We also welcome the swift and effective response from the Government to tackle the violent thuggery we witnessed in Middlesbrough and across the country.

 

Those who engaged in violent disorder on our streets on Sunday 4th August are now facing the full force of the law. Over 60 people have already been arrested in connection with the disorder and many more are being investigated by the police. The community spirit we witnessed in the aftermath of the events on Sunday 4^th August highlighted the very best of Middlesbrough. Volunteers from all backgrounds came together in a major clean-up effort on Monday 5th August. We are deeply grateful to each and every person who attended. The kindness and generosity which we have witnessed in our town since the violent disorder represents the real Middlesbrough. This Council expresses our gratitude to every single member of our community who has helped to clean up our town and support one another.

 

This Council resolves to learn from and respond to the impacts of these events, providing all available support to our communities to ensure our town comes back stronger from these events and to reaffirm our commitment to a safe, inclusive, and tolerant Middlesbrough.

 

Councillors Storey, Livingstone, J Thompson, Kabuye, Branson, Grainge, Henman, L Young and spoke in support of the motion.

 

The motion was put to the vote.

 

On a vote being taken the motion was declared unanimously CARRIED.