Key Points
- Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, issued a strong warning that patriotism should unite communities and never be used to spread hate.
- Morgon highlights that Havering is a proud, diverse, and patriotic borough that has traditionally maintained community cohesion with few problems.
- The Council Leader stressed respect for residents and council staff amid rising tensions and incidents of abuse against staff.
- Flags like the Union Jack and St George’s flag can be flown proudly but must never be used as weapons to divide communities.
- The council has zero tolerance for racial abuse or assaults on staff and will report offenders to the police.
- Collaboration with local communities and faith leaders is ongoing to maintain Havering as a safe and inclusive borough.
- Morgon emphasised that patriotism must be expressed with respect, rejecting hate and division within the borough.
What prompted Havering Council Leader Ray Morgon’s warning on patriotism?
Councillor Ray Morgon, Leader of Havering Council, has spoken out amid growing tensions within the borough, urging residents to show respect towards one another and council staff. His message highlighted that patriotism is a source of pride in Havering, a diverse and largely harmonious community, but should not be twisted into a justification for hate or division.
As Morgon stated, “Havering is a proud and patriotic borough which has always supported communities with few problems, and we want to keep things that way”. He acknowledged the value residents place on flying flags like the Union Jack and St George’s flag but cautioned firmly that, “Flags can be flown with pride, but never used as a weapon.”
He warned explicitly, “Nobody should use patriotism as an opportunity or an excuse to spread hate” (Havering.gov.uk) and condemned recent “shocking incidents of abuse aimed at staff just for doing their jobs.” Morgon stressed the council’s “zero tolerance for that” and confirmed that perpetrators would be reported to the police.
How does Havering Council define true patriotism?
Ray Morgon emphasised an inclusive form of patriotism based on mutual respect and unity, not on division. He urged residents to express their pride in Havering in a way that reflects its diversity and community spirit.
He said, “We are happy for residents to show this [patriotism] by proudly flying flags in our streets as long as it is done safely and with respect”. Morgon’s message aligns with the council’s commitment to equality and fairness, as the borough’s diversity remains a defining strength.
The Leader also holds bi-monthly meetings with local Faith Leaders at the Town Hall to discuss and encourage community cohesion. Morgon said, “We are a proud employer of diverse and committed staff, and it is simply unacceptable that they be racially abused or assaulted when working for Havering residents”.
What actions is Havering Council taking to tackle hate and maintain community cohesion?
The council is committed to safeguarding its residents and staff from abuse and hate. Morgon reiterated, “We have zero tolerance for that, and these people will be reported to the police”.
In addition, Havering Council works continuously with local communities, including Faith Leaders, to foster an inclusive environment. The council leader emphasised the importance of mutual respect in all interactions and called for calm and civility from residents to maintain harmony.
The council also maintains flying both the Union Jack and St George’s flag outside the Town Hall all year round as a symbol of patriotism but insists it must be accompanied by respect and caution regarding health and safety.
What challenges does Havering face in terms of community tensions and staff abuse?
Recent growth in tensions within the borough has spilled over into unacceptable abuse and assaults directed at council staff. Morgon condemned these incidents by saying, “It is simply unacceptable that staff be racially abused or assaulted when working for Havering residents”.
He urged residents to respect the work of council staff and understand that their role is to serve the community, not to become targets of rage or hatred. This rise in abuse cases threatens the cohesion of the borough, which Havering Council is determined to oppose firmly.
What is the broader significance of this warning?
Councillor Ray Morgon’s warning underscores the risk of patriotism being misappropriated as a vehicle for hate rather than a celebration of community identity and pride. His call to residents is clear: patriotism should never divide or exclude, but instead be a force for unity and respect.
“The message is clear: patriotism must unite, not divide,” Morgon concluded . With ongoing efforts to engage with various religious and community leaders and strong policies against hate speech and abuse, Havering Council signals its commitment to ensuring that its diverse population lives in a safe and inclusive environment.
