People in Middlesbrough urged to be cautious of 'dangerous misinformation online'
Chris Cooke says he stands against hate and division
Middlesbrough's Mayor is urging people to be cautious about dangerous misinformation that's being shared online.
Chris Cooke's responding to hate being spread on social media in recent week
"In recent weeks there has sadly been a big increase in the amount of misinformation and hate involving Middlesbrough on social media.
"I apologise for listing examples, but I strongly believe that as Mayor I have a responsibility to ensure that misinformation and hate is challenged in our town.
"The Middlesbrough Mela was a fantastic event. People of all backgrounds came together in the sunshine to enjoy the event, as they do every year. Unfortunately, on Facebook hundreds of distasteful, inflammatory and in many cases racist comments were made about the occasion.
"The comments were depressing and followed other dangerous misinformation about our town that have been widely shared.
"False posts about the TAD Centre on Ormesby Road claimed that asylum seekers either will or already do live in the building.
"This is not true.
"Sadly there were threats of disorder near the building, all based on speculation.
"Another post regarding “bus loads of migrants” coming to Brambles Farm and Thorntree was later shown to be the board from Thirteen who have power over investment in social housing our town needs.
"Worryingly, misinformation online about a hotel led to two members of its gym being racially abused.
"No hotels in Middlesbrough are used to house asylum seekers.
"I can understand why people may have concerns about hotels being used nationally for asylum seekers but let me repeat: no hotels in Middlesbrough are used for that purpose.
"Separately, a post that originated in Southern England claimed Middlesbrough had appeared on a “leaked Home Office list” of places due to house more asylum seekers.
"Again, this isn’t true. Middlesbrough hasn’t entered any new agreement with the Home Office. Often these posts don’t even correctly spell the name of the town.
"All data on numbers of asylum seekers in different local areas is publicly available. The numbers in Middlesbrough have remained stable for some time.
"The national asylum system is broken. The government has said as much. I respect people’s views on that issue and it is right that the topic is properly debated, but I will never accept immigration being blamed for all of society’s problems. We have faced unfair, deliberate underfunding for many years, which is a situation I am lobbying hard to address.
"My proudest day as Mayor came earlier this year when we welcomed the King and Queen to Middlesbrough. The sights, sounds and colour from that day will stay with me forever.
"As part of a busy schedule, King Charles and Queen Camilla visited the International Centre to learn about many of the successful projects involving refugees in our town.
"I was pleased that the King and Queen got that insight because people of all nationalities and backgrounds play a part in Middlesbrough’s story. That’s been the case since the birth of our town in 1830.
"Another big debate in our country at the moment surrounds flags.
"I fully respect people’s wishes to fly the St George’s Cross or Union flag at any time of their choosing. We’re flying the St George’s Cross permanently from the town hall, because it represents our shared love for our country, its people and its culture, right across the town.
"I am proud of our town and proud of our country but at the same time will always stand up for what’s right and defend those who don’t have a voice.
"That is why I am asking people to be cautious about the information that is shared online.
"The image that we portray to the rest of the world is important.
"We need be extremely careful with misleading statistics and stories presented as facts, as well as hurtful comments which could be isolating and distressing for many people in our community.
"Unfortunately, there are people who wish to spread hate and encourage division.
"Our town, proud of its history and heritage in the North East of England, is much, much better than that."