Promoting Civility in Politics
This Council notes:
a)
That over recent years, political discourse in the
UK has become increasingly uncivil, between politicians of
different parties and between the public and
politicians.
b)
There have been instances within the Borough of
Darlington, both in meetings and online, where language and social
media exchanges have become excessively uncivil.
c) That in 2020, Darlington Borough Council adopted the United Darlington Charter, proposed by Cllr Harker and seconded by Cllr Mrs. Scott.
This Council believes:
a)
The majority of the public expects local Councillors
to engage civilly with one another, in order to work together for
the benefit of the whole Borough.
b)
Officers of Darlington Borough Council should be
treated with respect in meetings, without fear of personal remarks
or inappropriate questioning.
c)
Careless language and personal attacks can have
serious consequences, as highlighted by the tragic murders of Sir
David Amess and Jo Cox in recent years.
d) Councillors and the public have the right to challenge policies and decisions in a civil and respectful manner.
That this Council resolves:
a)
To reaffirm the adoption of the United Darlington
Charter.
b)
That all Darlington Borough Councillors should adopt
the following Civility Pledge, put together by the Jo Cox
Foundation, and hold each other accountable to keep
it:
“As an elected representative, I pledge to:
1. Use a civil and constructive tone in political debate.
2. Act with integrity, honesty and compassion
3. Behave respectfully towards others, including those I disagree with”
c)
To promote civility in politics amongst Councillors,
candidates and the public.
Supporting documents –
United Darlington Charter
Minutes:
The following Motion was moved by Councillor Harker, and seconded by Councillor Dulston:
Promoting Civility in Politics
This Council notes:
a) That over recent years, political discourse in the UK has become increasingly
uncivil, between politicians of different parties and between the public and
politicians.
b) There have been instances within the Borough of Darlington, both in meetings
and online, where language and social media exchanges have become
excessively uncivil.
c) That in 2020, Darlington Borough Council adopted the United Darlington
Charter, proposed by Cllr Harker and seconded by Cllr Mrs. Scott.
This Council believes:
a) The majority of the public expects local Councillors to engage civilly with one
another, in order to work together for the benefit of the whole Borough.
b) Officers of Darlington Borough Council should be treated with respect in
meetings, without fear of personal remarks or inappropriate questioning.
c) Careless language and personal attacks can have serious consequences, as
highlighted by the tragic murders of Sir David Amess and Jo Cox in recent
years.
d) Councillors and the public have the right to challenge policies and decisions in
a civil and respectful manner.
That this Council resolves:
a) To reaffirm the adoption of the United Darlington Charter.
b) That all Darlington Borough Councillors should adopt the following Civility
Pledge, put together by the Jo Cox Foundation, and hold each other
accountable to keep it:
“As
an elected representative, I pledge to:
1. Use a civil and constructive tone in political debate.
2. Act with integrity, honesty and compassion
3. Behave respectfully towards others, including those I disagree
with”
c) To promote civility in politics amongst Councillors, candidates and the public.
RESOLVED – That the Motion be agreed.