Staffordshire County Council beefs up security for cabinet meeting following protest
Staffordshire County Council beefed up security for a cabinet meeting – days after anti-racism protestors brought a previous meeting to a halt.
Last Thursday’s full council meeting had to be suspended after members of the Stafford Campaign Against Racism and Fascism (SCARF) started a chant calling for the resignation of cabinet members accused of making racist social media posts.
Following the incident, which ended with police officers escorting the protestors out of the chamber, the council ramped up security arrangements at County Buildings. Ahead of Wednesday’s cabinet meeting, four security guards were posted outside the building’s entrances, checking visitors’ identification.
Four guards were also stationed around the public gallery of the council chamber during the meeting. Just nine people were sat in the public gallery, including a Local Democracy Reporter, who was told he had to leave his coat and bag at the entrance.
There were no disturbances during the cabinet meeting, which proceeded as normal.
SCARF’s protest last week followed resignation of former council leader Ian Cooper following allegations he had made racist and offensive comments on X and YouTube. The protestors demanded the resignations of cabinet members Peter Mason and Chris Large, who had also been accused of racist social media activity – Cllr Mason has apologised for posts which pre-dated his election.
Wednesday’s cabinet meeting was the first to be chaired by acting council leader Martin Murray, who addressed last week’s events.
Cllr Murray said: “As councillors we are elected by the people in our communities to represent them, to champion Staffordshire and to deliver more for the people of this great county. This is a terrific honour for every county councillor.
“The strength in democracy is that everyone has the right to debate, to disagree and even to protest at times. But this must be done peacefully and to allow due process.
“I have already made it clear that racism and hate have no place in this council or this country, but I want to repeat that today. Our focus must be on bringing people together, not on division.”
It is not known whether the enhanced security at County Buildings will continue in the new year. The county council has been approached for comment.
