Newcastle Labour utterly condemns the appalling attack on the home of Labour Councillor Stephen Barry-Stanners.
There is no place in our city for intimidation, abuse or hatred. Disagreement is part of democracy, but targeting an elected representative’s home with criminal damage and abusive graffiti crosses a line that should never be crossed.
This attack follows what Councillor Barry-Stanners has described as “a sustained and escalating pattern of abuse” during the local election campaign, beginning with offensive online messages, progressing to verbal harassment in public, and culminating in eggs being thrown at his home and defamatory graffiti being sprayed across his property.
As Stephen has said:
“This was not just an attack on property – it was an attack on my home, a place that should be safe for me and my family. More broadly, it represents an attack on democratic values, and that should concern us all.”
Nobody should be made to feel unsafe because they choose to serve their community. False and deeply harmful accusations such as those used in this attack are not only intended to intimidate, but can have serious consequences for the wellbeing of those targeted and their loved ones.
Since the incident Stephen has recieved messages of support from hundreds of residents, plus elected representatives from the LibDems, Greens, Newcastle Independents, and Conservatives.
Newcastle Labour Leader Councillor Karen Kilgour has written to the leaders of all opposition groups about the importance of challenging hatred and abuse wherever it comes from.
Councillor Karen Kilgour said:
“Warm words aren’t enough. We have to model the behaviour we want to see and we have to call out our supporters and our candidates if we see them behaving inappropriately. Nobody should be made to feel unsafe. As politicians, we have a duty to stand together and stand for all our communities, no matter who they are, no matter the colour of their skin, their religion or their sexuality. We need to make sure that nobody feels unsafe in this city.”
Those words have never been more relevant.
Newcastle Labour is clear: division and hatred have no place in our city. We will continue to speak out against abuse, intimidation and political violence, whoever it is directed at and whoever it comes from. Our democracy depends on robust debate conducted with respect, not fear.
Our thoughts are with Stephen and his husband Vince following this distressing incident. We fully support his decision to take a short break from campaigning, and we look forward to welcoming him back. We know he remains determined to continue serving the people of Newcastle, and he has our full support.
We also urge anyone with information about this incident to contact Northumbria Police to assist with their investigation. No elected representative, candidate or resident should ever be subjected to this kind of abuse. Newcastle is, and must remain, a city united.