Racism
Councils are debating updates to codes of conduct to address racism and social media, alongside reaffirming commitments to tackle extremism and hate crimes.
Hillingdon Council defeated a motion in September 2026 to update its Code of Conduct for members, which aimed to introduce clearer provisions regarding bullying, harassment, discrimination, and conduct on social media. Councillor Sital Punja stated the existing code lacked explicit provisions for issues like racism, making it difficult to address complaints effectively. In July 2026, Lewisham Council's Standards Sub-Committee A cleared a councillor over social media posts but warned their conduct fell below expected standards.
Islington Council unanimously passed a motion in July 2026 to tackle extremism and racism, planning specific initiatives and using Hate Crime Week 2026 to address rising hate crimes impacting residents and councillors. This follows Barnet Council reaffirming its commitment to community cohesion in January 2026, and Westminster City Council unanimously passing a motion in November 2025 to tackle racism, discrimination, and far-right extremism.
Sutton Council resolved in November 2025 to write to the Home Secretary, urging support and resources for local authorities to build community cohesion and oppose racism, hate, hostility, and anti-migrant sentiment. Camden Council reaffirmed its commitment to being a Borough of Sanctuary in September 2025, condemning a far-right demonstration and urging the Prime Minister to stop using negative language about people from overseas.
Key facts
- Hillingdon Council defeated a motion to update its Code of Conduct by 30 votes to 19 in September 2026. Source
- Lewisham Council's Standards Sub-Committee A cleared Councillor Hau-Yu Tam of breaching the Code of Conduct in July 2026. Source
- Islington Council unanimously passed a motion to tackle extremism and racism in July 2026. Source
- Barnet Council passed a motion reaffirming its commitment to community cohesion in January 2026. Source
- Westminster City Council unanimously passed a motion to tackle racism, discrimination, and far-right extremism in November 2025. Source
About this summary
This summary was written automatically from our published stories and the council meeting records they draw on, with background from Wikipedia. It describes what councils have discussed and decided; it does not take a view on any decision. Each key fact links to the story it comes from. Updated 30 September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Email community@opencouncil.network.