Kernow Branch Celtic League Convener 'shocked' at growing racism fears

This just published by the Celtic League:

NEWS FROM THE CELTIC LEAGUE

KERNOW BRANCH CONVENER 'SHOCKED' AT GROWING RACISM FEARS

During Sunday 30 November, 2014, the Convener of the Kernow Branch Celtic League, Cllr Mike Chappell met with members of various ethnic communities to discuss growing fears over racism in the Duchy.

The Kernow Branch has a number of members from various ethnic minorities who regard themselves as Cornish.

Mike was shocked to hear that occurrences of racism appears to be on the increase and even though all with whom he met have employment or are self employed, pay taxes and contribute to their communities in many different ways. Much verbal abuse has allegedly been received from people who claim to be supporters of the United Kingdom Independence Party (UKIP). Some of those present claimed to be 'afraid' of the rise of UKIP.

Although police resources are stretched to breaking point in Cornwall, where public services are already poorly funded compared to the rest of Britain, those who informed of abuse of any sort were urged to report it and if they were afraid to do so, to seek help to assist in reporting racism.

During the short meeting, Mike Chappell said, 'The Cornish people, now recognised as a National Minority in their own right, will find this sort of racism unacceptable. I have already witnessed two cases of crimes involving blatant racism and have made witness statements to the police. Not for nothing is our flag of Piran black and white and unsullied with no connections to racism, hatred or war. Not for nothing is our Patron Piran a man of peace and acceptance. We have a number of members drawn from the ethnic minorities and who choose to celebrate Cornwall and Cornish heritage. I have friends of many ethnicities and nationalities. I too am fearful of the rise of political parties which thrive on racism and which cash in on the growing public mistrust of the main political parties and politicians. Now, more than ever, we must remember the motto of our little Celtic land of Kernow, 'one and all'. Our people have walked the globe, our land has been a sanctuary for those in need, our charitable giving is second to none and many of the sons and daughters of Kernow have been amongst the greatest of philanthropists and human rights campaigners. We must reject racism and embrace and project our own peaceful Cornish Celtic culture, language, heritage and history and invite others to join us if they wish but with the assurance that we in return fully accept their right to diversity. Indeed, some of those who espouse our Cornishness are not from Cornwall at all'.

A member of the Kernow Branch is currently in discussions with senior Cornwall Councillors on ways to deal with racism aimed at the Cornish National Minority and other Ethnic Minorities.

kernow@...
Compiled for Celtic News by Mike Chappell – Kernow Branch

J B Moffatt (Mr)
Director of Information

01/12/14

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