A Reform UK-led council in Sunderland is under intense scrutiny after announcing it will withdraw all support from Show Racism the Red Card, one of the United Kingdom’s most prominent anti-racism education charities. The move means anti-racism workshops and sessions delivered in local schools will be effectively scrapped, prompting fierce criticism from politicians, football figures, and charity leaders alike.
The city council said it would no longer back the organisation, claiming it had “increasingly become involved in activity which goes beyond straightforward anti-racism education and enters the political arena.” Council leader Chris Eynon confirmed the decision, stating the authority would not fund “politically charged organisations with an agenda.”
Charity Leaders Hit Back
Ged Grebby, chief executive of Show Racism the Red Card, expressed deep disappointment at the council’s stance, emphasising the charity’s deep-rooted connection to the North East. He noted that the organisation has worked closely with Sunderland City Council across its entire 30-year history and takes pride in its regional origins. Grebby also pointed to the strong anti-racist sentiment traditionally demonstrated by the people of Sunderland, arguing that the decision sends entirely the wrong message to voters.
Former Sunderland AFC captain and charity patron Gary Bennett described himself as “shocked and disappointed.” Bennett, who was made an MBE for services to anti-racism in football, stressed that the charity is not political in nature. He highlighted the irony of Sunderland being the first council to fund the organisation, calling the withdrawal deeply frustrating. “For something like this to happen now, we just want to know the reasons why,” he told The Guardian.
The charity enjoys high-profile backing from England captain Harry Kane and former manager Gareth Southgate, lending significant weight to its campaign.
Political Row Escalates
The decision has triggered a sharp political response. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson launched a petition opposing the withdrawal, describing the council’s actions as “misguided, cruel and in no way backed by the people of Sunderland.” Her intervention has drawn attention to the broader implications of the move, framing it as part of a wider pattern of disengagement from equality and diversity initiatives.
Meanwhile, Reform UK’s Treasury spokesperson Robert Jenrick defended the council’s position, calling it entirely “reasonable” for a local authority to choose which charities and organisations it supports. “I don’t know what the argument is behind not giving the money to that organisation, but do I think it’s reasonable, Nick, for a local authority to make choices about what charities and organisations they support? Yeah, absolutely,” he told LBC.
Tensions rose further when Reform UK Sunderland issued its own statement, taking issue with Mr Grebby’s characterisation of the party as a “very, very dangerous organisation.” The council insisted there must be a clear distinction between unequivocally opposing racism and formally funding a campaigning group that has entered party politics. “The council does not need an affiliation with Show Racism the Red Card in order to oppose racism,” the statement read. “We can and will continue to promote equality under the law, challenge overt discrimination and ensure respect for every resident in Sunderland independently.”
What’s at Stake for Schools
The withdrawal of council support carries immediate, tangible consequences for pupils across Sunderland. Show Racism the Red Card has long provided educational resources and workshops in schools, helping young people understand the dangers of racism and discrimination. With that backing now pulled, teachers and school administrators face an uncertain future in continuing those vital sessions.
Critics have warned that the decision could leave a significant gap in the personal, social and health education curriculum at a time when discussions around inclusion and respect are more prominent than ever. Schools that relied on the charity’s expertise and materials may now struggle to find alternative provision, particularly at a time of tightening local budgets.
Why it Matters
This row extends well beyond a single council and a single charity. It raises fundamental questions about how local authorities define the boundary between education and activism, and who gets to decide which organisations deserve public funding. With Reform UK gaining political ground nationally, the decision in Sunderland could set a precedent that ripples across other councils and anti-racism programmes throughout the country. For the children who stand to lose access to vital anti-racism education, the stakes could not be higher — and the debate over what constitutes a “political agenda” is only just beginning.
