St Helens Labour has responded to a statement from the Leader of St Helens Borough Council, Cllr Dr George Woodward, announcing that the council will not be observing Black History Month.
Labour Group Leader Cllr Keith Laird said the decision represented a significant change from the council’s previously published commitments around equality, diversity and race relations.
“Equality means recognising and respecting everyone who makes up our community. Black History Month is not about saying one group matters more than another. It is about recognising the history, achievements and contribution of Black people to our country and our communities. It recognises an important part of our shared history and the contribution of people whose stories have not always received the recognition they deserve.” - Cllr Keith Laird, Leader of St Helens Labour Group
Cllr Laird said:
“Saying that the council ‘doesn’t care if you’re Black or Asian’ is not an answer to questions about equality. Black History Month is about recognising the history, achievements and contribution of Black people to Britain and to our local communities.“Black Britons have been part of Britain’s story for centuries — serving in our armed forces, working in our NHS, building our towns and cities, contributing to our culture, businesses, public services and communities.“That is British history, and recognising it does not diminish anyone else’s history or culture.“You can be proud to be British, celebrate British culture and be proud of St Helens while also recognising the contribution of Black Britons. Those things are not in conflict.“To dismiss these celebrations as a ‘poor use of resources’ is a blatant disregard for the council’s established Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion policies, which mandate us to foster good relations across all communities. Claiming to ‘not care’ about someone’s background ignores the systemic inequalities that many minority groups still face today. True equality means recognising and addressing these different experiences, not adopting an approach that sweeps them under the rug.“If the justification for this decision is the financial cost, then residents deserve to know the facts. How much does observing Black History Month actually cost the council? How many officer hours are involved, and what saving is expected from this decision?“Words such as ‘woke’, ‘subversive’ and ‘divisive’ are political descriptions. They don’t provide residents with a financial assessment of what is being saved.“There is also a question about the council’s own published commitments. Its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy says the council will work to identify and remove barriers for under-represented groups, practise inclusion and provide accessible, safe and inclusive services. Its Race Equality Declaration has also included commitments to promote good race relations, raise awareness and celebrate cohesion and diversity.“Residents are entitled to ask what has changed and why these commitments are now being interpreted differently.“Black History Month does not say that Black people matter more than anyone else. It provides an opportunity to recognise a part of our shared history and to celebrate the contribution of people whose stories have not always received the recognition they deserve.“Britain’s history belongs to everyone who helped make it, and Black British history is British history.”
St Helens Borough Council’s published Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy 2025–28 states that the council will work with partners to identify and remove barriers for under-represented groups, advance equity and practise inclusion.
The council’s published Race Equality Declaration of Intent also sets out ambitions including promoting good race relations, raising public awareness and acknowledging, valuing and celebrating cohesion and diversity.
The council has previously marked Black History Month through its own communications and events, including a Town Hall celebration and the illumination of Steve Prescott Bridge.