Joint leaders’ statement: call for tolerance

The leaders of the political groups on Dundee City Council today issued a joint statement calling for tolerance towards people of all backgrounds and condemning the sharing of online misinformation.

The statement, from Councillor Mark Flynn (SNP and Council administration leader), and Bailies Kevin Keenan (Labour), Fraser Macpherson (Liberal Democrat) and Derek Scott (Conservative), follows an incident in the Lochee area of the city at the weekend.

Police have already urged the public not to share misinformation on social media in relation to an incident in which a Bulgarian couple were approached by youths in Dundee.

A 12-year-old girl has been charged in connection with the incident.

The Council group leaders said: “Dundee has a proud history of welcoming people from all over the world. It is a city built on the values of acceptance and togetherness.

“As political leaders, we come together today to reaffirm that there is no place for racism, hate, or discrimination in any form.

“That includes the online spreading of misinformation and disinformation, which causes fear and stokes division in our communities.

“Sharing inaccurate posts, or speculating on incidents being dealt with by the justice system, is unacceptable. We urge people to heed the warning issued by the police.

“Intolerance has no place in our city or in our lives. We express our solidarity with the diverse communities of Dundee and our commitment to a united, tolerant and caring city.”