‘Guildford Stands Together’ Event Affirms Borough’s Welcome To All

Published on: 29 Jun, 2016
Updated on: 30 Jun, 2016

It was estimated that around 200 were present.

Concerns about anti-foreigner sentiment, following the EU referendum, brought together around 200 Guildford residents, including many EU nationals, at Tunsgate on Tuesday, June 28.

Melanie Hancox made her feelings known via her T shirt. – Photo Mandy Millyard

Melanie Hancox said she had been inspired to organise the event because of concerns raised by her EU national friends, with whom she regularly meets.

Ms Hancox told those assembled that her European friends: “…organise school fetes, community picnics street parties, charity fundraising and more. They live and work here but their contribution can be measured in so much more than just the pounds in tax that they pay into the Exchequer.

Quoting the London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, she said: ” ‘It’s really important we stand guard against any rise in hate crimes or abuse by those who might use last week’s referendum as cover to seek to divide us.’

She added: “At the same time it is crucial that we reject any suggestion that a vote to Leave equalled a vote for racism.

“We wanted to do something positive to say that the vast majority of Britons, whether we voted stay or leave, reject xenophobia. We embrace our European friends and neighbours here and abroad.”

Some of the Councillors present at the event. (L-R: Caroline Reeves, Susan Parker, Paul Spooner, Sue Sturgeon (MD at GBC), Fiona White, Pauline Searle.) Photo: Mandy Millyard.

Some of the councillors present at the event. (L-R: Caroline Reeves, Susan Parker, Paul Spooner, Gordon Jackson, Gillian Harwoood, Sue Sturgeon (MD at GBC), Fiona White, Pauline Searle.) Photo: Mandy Millyard.

A dozen or so local councillors attended the event including the council leader Paul Spooner, leader of the opposition, Caroline Reeves, leader of the GGG, Susan Parker, leader of the Labour group, Angela Gunning and the Mayor of Guildford, Gordon Jackson.

Caroline Reeves spoke but “not as a politician”. – Photo Mandy Millyard.

There were several speakers. Cllr Reeves said: “I am a borough councilor for one of our town centre wards where we have a very high number of European residents, some of whom I hope I can call close friends.

“But I am not here as a politician, and how I voted in the referendum is not relevant to this gathering.

“I am dismayed that the response to the outcome of the referendum has seen these friends feeling that they have been labelled as immigrants, and in a very negative way.

“My message is very clear, you are very welcome here, we love having all cultures as part of our diverse society. We love having you as friends, neighbours, fellow workers and we value your contribution to our community here in Guildford.”

“We need to be very clear that we will not tolerate racism, bigotry and jingoism in this community, and nor should it be tolerated anywhere. We are here today to show exactly that, we are a strong united community of Europeans regardless of the politics.”

Cllr Nils Christiansen, who is a British/Danish dual national reminded the audience how the King of Denmark had stood up to racism during the Second World War when Denmark was occupied and that the true British value was of tolerance not racism.

The mayor announced that people from Guildford’s twin town, Freiburg, would be visiting here in September. Looking forward to the visit, the mayor said and that he will be delighted to welcome the Mayor of Freiburg and his party to Guildford.

Cllr Bob McShee (Con, Worplesdon) commented after the event: “Although I voted to Leave, I am totally against any form of discrimination towards European residents living in Guildford. They make a valuable contribution to our community.”

Cllr Iseult Roche, lead member for community, (Con, Worplesdon) said: “The gathering at Tunsgate was wonderful. It was good to see so many residents of all backgrounds and ages and councillors from all political parties there supporting solidarity within our diverse Guildford society.

“Hostility, discrimination and prejudice was clearly unwanted and even feared by many residents. This is a time for unity among all residents and our entire community.”

Monique … a French national who has lived in Guildford for many years sings La Vie En Rose with the last year’s Mayor of Guildford, Nikki Nelson-Smith.

But the mood of the meeting was not all sombre or serious and everyone was encouraged to sing along to a medley of popular songs: Walking on Sunshine, La Vie en Rose, 99 Red Balloons and Waterloo.

A further similar event is being planned to be held in the Castle Grounds at a time and date to be announced.