JUST before Harlow Council’s budget debate last night (23 February 2023), all councillors present at the meeting unanimously agreed to the following motion on Debate Not Hate:

“To be elected is a privilege and a responsibility. Unfortunately, increasing levels of abuse and intimidation have had a negative impact on politicians and democracy at local and national levels. Disagreement and constructive challenge are healthy: the sort of abuse that’s intended to silence the democratic voice and to deter people from entering politics at any level is not.

I call upon Harlow Council to:

1.    Address the impacts of abuse on councillors’ mental health;

2.    Work with LGA to raise awareness of available options and good practice;

3.    Remind councillors of the Code of Conduct to ensure that their behaviour to each other and to staff members is respectful and courteous;

4.    Ensure that councillors and officers are aware of available support and that they are encouraged to request support when needed, without stigma.”

The motion was proposed by Councillor Kay Morrison and seconded by Councillor Lanie Shears. Several councillors from both sides of the chamber spoke passionately giving their support to the motion.

Debate Not Hate is a national campaign run by the Local Government Association which aims to raise public awareness of the role of councillors in their communities, encourage healthy debate and improve the responses and support for local politicians facing abuse and intimidation.