Understand
Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram condemns St Helens Council's decision to drop Black History Month support
Overview
Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram has criticised St Helens Council's decision to withdraw support for Black History Month, describing it as "dog whistle politics". St Helens Council's Reform leader George Woodward defended the move by arguing that celebrations should not centre on one skin tone and that people should come together under one British culture. Since taking power in May, the council has also avoided Pride month, withdrawn funding for Refugee Week, and initially questioned marking Holocaust Memorial Day before clarifying that it will be observed.
Key points
- Liverpool City Region mayor Steve Rotheram labelled St Helens Council's withdrawal of support for Black History Month as "dog whistle politics".
- St Helens Council Reform leader George Woodward argued that Black History Month is "racist" and "divisive", stating that celebrations should not focus on a single skin tone.
- Since coming to power in May, St Helens Council has also chosen not to engage in Pride month and removed funding for Refugee Week activities.
- George Woodward initially stated the "jury was out" on marking Holocaust Memorial Day, but later clarified that the important event would be observed in St Helens.
- Steve Rotheram acknowledged that despite his disagreements, Woodward is a democratically elected leader who makes decisions for his area.