THERE was a heated debate at last Thursday’s Camelford Town Council meeting, regarding a recent campaign by Amnesty International.

Cllr Claire Hewlett read a letter from resident Melanie Baber regarding the campaign on racism in the UK amid a rise in reported hate crime.

In her letter she said: “I am very concerned about the recently reported rise of racist and xenophobic incidents and hate crimes. I believe that we all have a duty to stand up and stamp out racism and xenophobia.

“I am therefore writing to ask you to please table this motion at your next council meeting — ‘We are proud to live in a diverse and tolerant society. Racism, xenophobia and hate crimes have no place in our country. Camelford Town Council condemns racism, xenophobia and hate crimes unequivocally. We will not allow hate to become acceptable. We reassure all people living in this area that they are valued members of our community.’”

Mrs Baber also asked that the council publicly condemn any such attacks and make it clear that the council will take to tackle this sort of behaviour.

“In addition, I would like you to write to Cornwall Council on behalf of the people of Camelford, and ask that they work to ensure that local bodies and programmes have the support and resources they need to fight and prevent racism and xenophobia.”

Cllr Hewlett said: “Melanie was concerned that this was something that should be brought to the attention of the council and the council should get behind the Amnesty International campaign to stand up to this racism and xenophobia and hate crime. To me it’s a no brainer.”

But Cllr Andy Shaw said he had “strong reservations” about the council associating itself with a ‘political lobbying group’.

“This council has never ever backed political groups. It might set a precedent.”

Cllr Shaw said individuals can write to Cornwall Council and support Amnesty International if they so wish, adding: “As a council I think we are treading on very difficult ground. It does go against this council’s policy to support any political party or lobbying group.”

Cllr Hewlett asked if the council has a policy on racism, and Cllr Shirley Goodman asked if there was any in Camelford.

Cllr Hewlett replied: “That’s not the issue because you never know what’s going to happen in the future.”

Cllr Shaw suggested the matter be left on the table, but Cllr Hewlett felt the council should decide one way or another.

Sue Theobald, who was standing in for clerk Lee Dunkley, suggested that the council invite the police diversity officer to a meeting.

“It might be a good idea to speak to the diversity team.”

A proposal to invite the officer to a meeting was made by Cllr Kirsty Ferguson and all councillors voted in favour.