The motion was rejected in a vote between councillors.

Reform councillors have rejected a Labour pledge to promote inclusivity and address hate speech and abuse faced by Barnsley councillors.

The ‘No Place for Hate’ pledge was originally introduced in 2022, signed by all major party leaders and the Mayor, marking a pledge deeming online and offline abuse unacceptable

On July 16, Labour leader and Councillor James Higginbottom proposed the motion.

“Today, it starts with sending out the message that Barnsley truly is No Place for Hate.

“Not just as a personal commitment to the pledge itself – but as a demonstration to the public of Barnsley and to the world beyond that there truly is no place for hatred, discrimination and bigotry in our borough,” he said.

“I would hope that every member would stand by that pledge today and embody it in all they do. Barnsley is watching.”

Council leader Cllr Brown said that he felt the motion was “too vague” and urged others to “vote against this motion”.

“It is being used elsewhere to suppress free speech and legitimate debate.

“The administration will bring forward clear proposals soon focused on a new proposal, free speech and safety for every resident in the borough,” he said.

Attempting to bridge the divide between councillors, Independent Cllr Andy Wray said: “The four words, ‘No Place for Hate’, I just don’t understand the problem with the terminology Cllr Brown, but again, I respect what you’re saying.

“We must respect the votes of other people in this house today. We must respect the opinions of other people. I respect Cllr Brown’s decision to rewrite the pledge, and I look forward to reading it.”

A vote by councillors led to the motion failing as all Reform councillor members voted against.