Sunderland City Council, now controlled by Reform UK, has ended its three-decade partnership with Show Racism the Red Card, withdrawing support for the anti-racism education charity effective immediately. The decision will disrupt school teaching programmes, prison workshops and workplace training delivered by the organisation across the region.
Gary Bennett, the former Sunderland AFC captain and head coach at the charity, expressed dismay at the funding withdrawal. Bennett was a founding member when Show Racism the Red Card was established in 1996 and remains a prominent figure in the city's sporting community.
Christopher Eynon, the Reform leader of Sunderland council since May, justified the move by stating the authority would no longer fund "politically charged organisations with an agenda". He insisted the council remained committed to opposing racism and discrimination, asserting that "racism has no place in Sunderland".
The decision prompted strong criticism from opposition figures. Labour MP Bridget Phillipson described the move as "misguided, cruel and in no way backed by the people of Sunderland". The controversy has intensified scrutiny of Reform's approach to diversity and inclusion initiatives across local authorities it controls.
What did Bennett say about the funding cut?
Bennett stated he was "surprised, shocked and disappointed" that the council—which became the first local authority to support the charity—was severing ties after three decades. He emphasised that Show Racism the Red Card operates as a non-partisan organisation focused on education rather than political activism.
We're not a political charity – they're trying to say we are but we're not. Sunderland were the first council to come onboard to help fund us, that's the annoying thing. For something like this to happen now, we just want to know the reasons why.
Bennett pointed to the racist disorder that swept multiple English cities including Sunderland during 2024 as evidence that anti-racism work remains essential. He highlighted evolving challenges around attitudes towards asylum seekers and migrants, noting that prejudice continues to take different forms.
You've got all different issues going on now. It keeps moving, it's always something else which causes some form of racism. It's something that is challenging every single day and we've got to keep the fight. There's still lots of work to be done and we can't just ignore it and think it's going to go away because it's not.
What is Wear Red Day and how does the council's withdrawal affect it?
Wear Red Day is an annual anti-racism campaign run by Show Racism the Red Card, designed to demonstrate solidarity with people targeted by racism. The charity said Sunderland City Council had supported the initiative for 12 years by lighting local landmarks red and promoting anti-racism messages throughout the city.
The council withdrew its backing for Wear Red Day 2026 at a meeting on 16 September. However, the charity confirmed the campaign will proceed as scheduled on 16 October 2026, with the organisation continuing to encourage schools and businesses to participate despite the loss of council support.
How has the charity and others responded?
Ged Grebby, chief executive of Show Racism the Red Card, defended his right to express personal views and stated the charity maintains support across the political spectrum. Eynon took issue with Grebby's characterisation of Reform as a "very dangerous organisation", accusing the charity leader of "stark political bias".
Robert Jenrick, a senior Reform figure, publicly defended the council's decision in a broadcast interview, calling it "reasonable". This backing from party leadership underscores Reform's position that the funding withdrawal reflects fiscal priorities rather than opposition to anti-racism work itself.
What is happening in Bradford?
Reform UK councillors controlling Bradford have proposed withdrawing the city from the Local Authority of Sanctuary scheme, which designates a council area as a safe place for migrant communities. The motion is scheduled for consideration at the next council meeting in October.
The Reform group argued that public services should prioritise Bradford residents over refugee support initiatives. Councillor Jayne Morgan stated the move "may upset oversensitive political opponents" but served the public interest. The council noted that under the scheme it had "led Refugee Week engagement and utilised local libraries to celebrate all new arrivals into Bradford".
Imran Khan, leader of Bradford's Labour group, condemned the proposal as "vice signalling"—performative opposition to progressive policies designed to appeal to a particular voter base. He argued the withdrawal would "do nothing to help a single person" in Bradford and would instead "damage integration and promote division and resentment".
What is the broader context?
The decisions in Sunderland and Bradford reflect a pattern of policy shifts following Reform UK's local election gains in May 2026. The party has faced ongoing scrutiny over its internal culture and vetting procedures. A Reform councillor elected in Sunderland was suspended earlier this year amid allegations of racist and misogynistic online posts, with party leaders acknowledging vetting failures. Additionally, Nigel Farage admitted an undercover investigation into the party's fundraising "looks bad" for Reform, as the Metropolitan Police investigates alleged breaches of electoral law.
What happens next?
Wear Red Day will take place in Sunderland on Friday 16 October 2026, proceeding without council backing. Show Racism the Red Card will continue encouraging schools and businesses to for the campaign ahead of that date. Bradford's Local Authority of Sanctuary withdrawal motion will be put to a vote at the next council meeting in October, with the outcome determining whether the city maintains its designation as a sanctuary for migrants.
Key Facts
- Sunderland City Council ended 30 years of funding for Show Racism the Red Card, the first local authority to have supported the charity
- The withdrawal will immediately disrupt school teaching programmes, prison workshops and workplace training delivered by the organisation
- Wear Red Day, an annual anti-racism campaign supported by the council for 12 years, will proceed on 16 October 2026 without official backing
- Reform UK councillors in Bradford have proposed withdrawing from the Local Authority of Sanctuary scheme, with a vote scheduled for October
- The decisions follow Reform's local election gains in May and come amid ongoing scrutiny of the party's internal culture and vetting procedures
