(time limit 15 Minutes)
Minutes:
The following questions were submitted:
1. Question received from Mark Birchall via email:
“Could we have a statement from the Leader of the Council regarding the latest vandalism and violence at the factory on the 21st June 2021. We are aware that MP, Debbie Abrahams, the Leader of OMBC and several Councillors attended to support the demonstration in Parliament Square.
Was any consideration given to the struggling business owners in the area who probably were affected by this, also the constant attendance at the factory which has now been taken to a different and more dangerous level. Has consideration been given to residents near to the factory who are having to ensure this kind of behaviour and are concerned for their own safety with the level of violence and vandalism now being carried out at the premises.”
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of the Council responded:
“The right to peaceful protest is a vital element of any functioning democracy and one that should be forcefully defended. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill that the Government are currently trying to pass and which, amongst other things allows the Police to restrict protests that are noisy, is an affront to our democracy.
Peaceful protest should not lead to vandalism and violence, however, we will always work with the Police and our partners to stop that happening. We are aware that GMP are in regular dialogue with Elbit and have a patrol plan for the area to reassure businesses and residents.”
2. Question received from Robert Barnes via email:
“Following the attack on Elbit Ferranti on Monday, June 21 2021 with the smashing of windows and paint being thrown on the floor outside the building, will the Council Leader categorically condemn the violence aimed at a business in our town?
Furthermore, will she also look into the issue of young children being taken to the regular protests that are held outside Elbit Ferranti? This should be a cause of great concern and treated as a potential safeguarding issue as children are too young to understand the very complex issues surrounding this matter. Children of such a young age should not be at such protests.”
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of the Council responded:
“I won’t repeat what I said in answer to the previous question. On the specific issue of young people at protest, parents and carers can make the decision to bring their children to organised demonstrations/protests. There is no legislation that enables the Local Authority to prevent this. However, if individual safeguarding concerns arise at the time of the event and it is felt that a child is at risk of significant harm as a result, then safeguarding processes should be followed and a referral made into Children Services for consideration.
We work closely with GMP and partner agencies to ensure safeguarding processes are followed in such circumstances and look to minimise associated risks by engaging with protest organisers in the event planning stage.”
3. Question received from Lewis Quigg via email.
“Will the Leader of the Council like any right minded person in our town, condemn the actions of a convicted criminal who is planning to carry out street patrols in Oldham and Chadderton? Does she agree that this is an unacceptable development, and will she take action to stop a convicted criminal from patrolling our streets and support Greater Manchester Police in asking for more street patrols and funding for our Police from the Mayor of Greater Manchester?”
4. Question received from Debbie Barratt-Cole via email:
“Can the Leader please tell me if she agreed with her long-time friend Mohammed Imran Ali (Irish Immy) setting up groups of people to patrol the streets at night in Chadderton and Werneth and will she be making funds for equipment needed for night time street patrols?”
The Mayor advised that as questions 3 and 4 were of a similar nature, Councillor Shah would provide one response covering both questions.
Councillor Arooj Shah, Leader of the Council responded:
“Thank you for your question. As a Council, we would not seek to condemn any member of the public who wishes to improve their area. People’s concerns about the levels of crime in their area are very real and something that all Members hear about from their local residents very regularly. We would, however, question whether street patrols of this nature are the best or most appropriate solution to the issues residents raise. As a result, the Council does not currently offer any support or funding to these types of groups and has no plans to do so.
GMP work closely with individuals or groups looking to establish local neighbourhood or street watch schemes like the one this question refers to. They engage directly with these groups to support and advise them on best practice including ensuring adequate insurance is in place, the establishment of codes of conduct for volunteers and making sure effective safeguarding procedures are carried out which could include Disclosure and Barring Service Checks on volunteers where required.
We have passed on details of this proposed scheme to Greater Manchester Police so that they can engage with the individuals involved directly to provide this advice and support. We will, as we have always done, continue to fight for better funding for our Police services to increase visible policing in our neighbourhoods. The Greater Manchester Mayor has taken action to increase the funding that GMP receives locally through the police precept but more than 75% of the force’s funding comes from Central Government. It is not a secret that years of Central Government cuts to police funding have led to over 20,000 fewer police on our streets over the last ten years and we will continue to highlight this and lobby for more resources for our local police.”
RESOLVED – That the questions and responses provided be noted.