Agenda item

Medway Monuments and Place Names

Council notes that individual experiences and personal heritage will always shape the way in which individuals interpret and relate to the world around them. This includes symbolic items present in public spaces, as well as the names given to public areas.

Council further notes that, whilst we cannot change the past, it is our civic duty to honour Medway’s heritage by telling our story in a way which aims to be as meaningful and respectful to every one of Medway’s residents today as possible, regardless of heritage or ethnic origin.

Council agrees to convene a cross party working group with the purpose of conducting a review of memorials, historic markers, and monuments in Medway to consider what changes, if any, would be appropriate. This group should adhere to normal protocols for the establishment of a cross party working group. The findings of this review should be presented in the form of a report to Cabinet at the earliest practical opportunity, in order to consider practical and financial implications. 

“Council notes that individual experiences and personal heritage will always shape the way in which individuals interpret and relate to the world around them. This includes symbolic items present in public spaces, as well as the names given to public areas.

Council further notes that, whilst we cannot change the past, it is our civic duty to honour Medway’s heritage by telling our story in a way which aims to be as meaningful and respectful to every one of Medway’s residents today as possible, regardless of heritage or ethnic origin.

Council agrees to convene a cross party working group with the purpose of conducting a review of memorials, historic markers, and monuments in Medway to consider what changes, if any, would be appropriate. This group should adhere to normal protocols for the establishment of a cross party working group. The findings of this review should be presented in the form of a report to Cabinet at the earliest practical opportunity, in order to consider practical and financial implications.”

Councillor Maple, supported by Councillor Mahil, proposed the following amendments:

To the third paragraph as follows:

Council agrees to convene a (Delete: “cross party”) (Add: “working group with membership including a cross party group of members and wider community participation”) with the purpose of conducting a review of memorials, historic markers, (Add: “public realm”) and monuments in Medway to consider what changes, if any, would be appropriate. (Delete: “This group should adhere to normal protocols for the establishment of a cross party working group”.)The findings of this review should be presented in the form of a report to Cabinet at the earliest practical opportunity, in order to consider practical and financial implications.

To add two paragraphs after the third paragraph as follows:

“Council agrees to request the Cabinet to agree to remove the naming of the John Hawkins Car Park, recognising his role as a leading slave trader with the proposed community task group to consider a more appropriate name that reflects Medway as a diverse community.

Council agrees to request the Cabinet to agree to commit to working to encourage the development of a school curriculum that includes appropriate focus on and exploration of Black History and the history of ethnic minority people.”

On being put to the vote, the amendment was lost.

In accordance with Rule 12.4 of the Council Rules, a recorded vote on the amendment was taken.

For – Councillors Adeoye, Cooper, Hubbard, Johnson, Khan, Mahil, Maple, Murray, Osborne, Sands and Andy Stamp (11)

Against – Councillors Aldous, Bhutia, Brake, Rodney Chambers OBE, Chitty, Doe, Etheridge, Filmer, Gulvin, Mrs Josie Iles, Steve Iles, Jarrett, Kemp, Pendergast, Potter, Tejan, Turpin, and Wildey (18)

On being put to the vote, the proposed amendment was lost.

Decision:

On being put to the vote, the substantive motion was agreed.

Council notes that individual experiences and personal heritage will always shape the way in which individuals interpret and relate to the world around them. This includes symbolic items present in public spaces, as well as the names given to public areas.

Council further notes that, whilst we cannot change the past, it is our civic duty to honour Medway’s heritage by telling our story in a way which aims to be as meaningful and respectful to every one of Medway’s residents today as possible, regardless of heritage or ethnic origin.

Council agrees to convene a cross party working group with the purpose of conducting a review of memorials, historic markers, and monuments in Medway to consider what changes, if any, would be appropriate. This group should adhere to normal protocols for the establishment of a cross party working group. The findings of this review should be presented in the form of a report to Cabinet at the earliest practical opportunity, in order to consider practical and financial implications.

Councillors Adeoye, Johnson, Khan, Mahil, Maple, Murray, Osborne and Andy Stamp requested that their abstentions be recorded in accordance with Council Rule 12.6.