Westminster City Council has reaffirmed its commitment to tackling racism, discrimination, and far-right extremism, vowing to create a more inclusive community. The council unanimously passed a motion at its meeting on Wednesday, 12 November 2025, condemning all forms of hate and pledging to support local initiatives that celebrate the city's diversity. This commitment comes in response to a deeply worrying rise in far-right activity, anti-migrant language, and hate incidents across the country, and the impact these have had on our communities here in Westminster.

The motion, moved by Councillor Adam Hug, Leader of the Council, and seconded by Councillor Ryan Jude, Cabinet Member - Climate, Ecology, Culture and Air Quality, acknowledged the rise in far-right activity, anti-migrant language, and hate incidents across the country, and their impact on Westminster communities.

The approved motion included several key commitments:

  • Reaffirming the council's commitment to tackling racism and discrimination.
  • Working with local partners to support communities affected by hate crimes. The council will continue to work with the police and community partners to ensure related crimes are tackled swiftly and victims are treated with dignity and respect.
  • Establishing a cross-community working group comprised of residents, community representatives, youth voices, and faith leaders to develop community-led strategies.
  • Championing local initiatives that celebrate Westminster's diversity, including cultural festivals, interfaith gatherings, and youth programmes.
  • Condemning all forms of racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, antisemitism, and far-right extremism.
  • Delivering a new Community Equality Strategy focused on improving council services and promoting community cohesion, ensuring earlier support is given and strengthening its role in promoting community cohesion.

The council noted that Westminster has always been a diverse and welcoming city, with residents from over 180 nationalities speaking more than 150 languages. The motion emphasised that migrant and minority communities have increasingly been targeted by divisive and misleading political rhetoric, and that blaming migrants does not solve the city's challenges.

The council resolved to reaffirm its commitment to remaining a safe, inclusive, and welcoming city where everyone, regardless of background or belief, can feel proud. The full details of the motion can be found in the Agenda Frontsheet for the meeting.