The Leader and Deputy Leader of Cambridge Labour have commented on the actions taken by Cambridge City Council in relation to Jimmy Carr’s gig in Cambridge and the protest organised by Stand Up to Racism Cambridge

Cllr Anna Smith, Labour Leader of Cambridge City council, commented:

“I’m sorry that I can’t be with you this evening, but I want to send you a message of solidarity and to thank you for being here. I have visited Auschwitz, and I have stood where countless thousands of men, women and children waited to go into the gas chambers. Tens of thousands of Roma and Sinti people were amongst those murdered as a result of genocidal hatred.  That cannot be a matter for mockery and I know I share the outrage of many in our city, especially those in our Gypsy Roma and Traveller Communities. I am glad that we have been assured that this joke won’t be repeated tonight. And I’m proud that that the city council is showing solidarity with our GRT community, and remembering events that should never be forgotten both by lighting up the Corn Exchange and giving out information.”

She further added

“Our commitment to equalities is at the forefront of what we do as a council, and I would like to share our commitment from our Equalities Pledge: ‘We believe in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity. We value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our community. Our aspiration is for Cambridge and the wider region to be safe, welcoming and inclusive.’  We might be the first venue to make this stand, but I definitely hope we won’t be the last.”

Deputy Labour Leader of Cambridge City Council, Cllr Alex Collis also commented:

“Thanks to everyone protesting peacefully outside the Corn Exchange tonight and it was great to be able to join you on such an important evening. I am proud to live in a city that has taken such a strong stand against discrimination, and that has such a clear commitment to equality. Tonight is, above all, about raising our voices up in support of our GRT communities. There has been a lot of talk about tonight, and the eyes of the country are on Cambridge. So let’s use that opportunity to spread a message of tolerance and togetherness. Of positivity. We stand together in saying that genocide is not, and should never be, a subject for humour. We hope that people everywhere will learn from what’s happened this week, and that this won’t happen again.”

She added:

“Let’s listen to the voices of organisations like the Traveller Movement – and here I want to just say a big thank you to Yvonne McNamara for all her support and help to the council in making sure we got this right – let’s listen – really listen, and let’s hear what our GRT communities are telling us.”