To receive Motions on Notice under Council Procedure Rule 12:

Motion 1:

This Council resolves:

To encourage organisers of all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people

To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks

To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

To deter the use of sky candle devices that can set fires causing considerable damage and cost to members of the public and the farming community, the debris from such devices when returning to earth can be ingested by farm and wild animals alike causing untold suffering and death.

Proposed by Councillor Graham Marsh

Seconded by Councillor Helen Matthews

Motion 2:

A number of Lincolnshire councils have adopted the IHRA definition of Antisemitism....it is appropriate that his council now does the same. We should not tolerate hate based on religious belief.

Whilst there have been instances of hatred appallingly directed at several religions, worryingly there is an upward national trend in antisemitic hatred that must not be tolerated.

The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief recently released a report which agreed that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism can offer valuable guidance for identifying antisemitism in its various forms.

The IHRA definition is as follows:

 “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities”.

This definition is encouraged in its use in “education, awareness-raising and for monitoring and responding to manifestations of antisemitism”.

I therefore move that this Council formally adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism, sending a clear message to communities in the district of East Lindsey that we will not and do not tolerate religious hatred, and reflecting this by including this definition in the Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy.

Proposed. Cllr Craig Leyland

Seconded Cllr William Grover.

Motion 1:

This Council resolves:

To encourage organisers of all public firework displays within the local authority boundaries to be advertised in advance of the event, allowing residents to take precautions for their animals and vulnerable people.

To actively promote a public awareness campaign about the impact of fireworks on animal welfare and vulnerable people – including the precautions that can be taken to mitigate risks.

To encourage local suppliers of fireworks to stock ‘quieter’ fireworks for public display.

To deter the use of sky candle devices that can set fires causing considerable damage and cost to members of the public and the farming community, the debris from such devices when returning to earth can be ingested by farm and wild animals alike causing untold suffering and death.

Councillor Marsh advised of an Amendment from the Labour Group, which he was happy to include as follows:

‘To instruct Officers to develop and publish a Code of Conduct to govern displays held on ELDC property.’

The amended Motion was duly Proposed and Seconded.

Councillor Marsh in proposing the Motion advised that this had been recommended by many organisations, including the Royal Society for the Protection for Animals (RSPCA) and the National Farmers Union (NFU).

The Leader of the Labour Group expressed his thanks to Councillor Marsh for accepting the Labour amendment.

Further to which comments were invited:

·         A Member referred to fireworks outside of bonfire night celebrations, which it was highlighted were popular at weddings and other celebrations, it was stressed that the neighbourly action in such circumstances would be to make the immediate neighbours aware;

·         A Member supported the Motion but stressed that the RSPC Motion went further as it requested Government to restrict the use of fireworks to 90 decibels and asked why this had not been included in this Motion;

·         A Member raised a point of order, stating that he had been advised by an officer that commercial ventures were not permitted on East Lindsey District Council land and queried why the amendment was necessary in this case.  Furthermore the Member asked for clarification on how any procedures would be advertised;

The Monitoring Officer advised that he believed the amendment was to ensure that if the Council was to allow displays, it must ensure processes were in place to govern the procedure but would be happy to discuss further outside of the meeting. 

·         A Member supported the Motion as amended as he considered it struck the right balance, but stressed the danger of sky candles;

The Chairman of Executive Board advised on the point of order that this would be considered by scrutiny and residents would be consulted. 

Councillor Matthews in seconding the Motion advised that whilst legislation was changing, the Council could have some control in its own area.

In thanking all for their comments and support, Councillor Marsh advised that quieter fireworks was a government initiative but that the Council could encourage their use.  In respect of commercial displays, non-profit making displays were permitted, for example on the Mablethorpe seafront. 

RESOLVED

That the Motion be supported.

Motion 2

A number of Lincolnshire councils have adopted the IHRA definition of Antisemitism....it is appropriate that his council now does the same. We should not tolerate hate based on religious belief.

 Whilst there have been instances of hatred appallingly directed at several religions, worryingly there is an upward national trend in anti-Semitic hatred that must not be tolerated.

 The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief recently released a report which agreed that the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) Working Definition of Antisemitism can offer valuable guidance for identifying antisemitism in its various forms.

 The IHRA definition is as follows:

 “Antisemitism is a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities”.

 This definition is encouraged in its use in “education, awareness-raising and for monitoring and responding to manifestations of antisemitism”.

I therefore move that this Council formally adopts the IHRA definition of antisemitism, sending a clear message to communities in the district of East Lindsey that we will not and do not tolerate religious hatred, and reflecting this by including this definition in the Council’s Equality and Diversity Policy.

In Proposing the Motion, the Chairman of Executive Board advised that the Motion would be seconded by Councillor Tony Howard.

Councillor Howard expressed his thanks for allowing him to second this Motion which made clear the support of the Labour Group.

A Member supported the Motion and reminded of racial hatred against other religions, including Muslims.

This point was accepted by the Proposer and Seconder.  Following which it was

RESOLVED

That the Motion be supported.