Sunderland City Council has officially withdrawn its support for the anti-racism education charity Show Racism the Red Card, ending a partnership that had lasted for three decades. The decision was announced last week by the council’s Reform UK leadership.

Christopher Eynon, the Reform UK leader of the council, justified the move by stating that the local government would no longer provide funding to “politically charged organisations with an agenda.” This decision effectively ends the charity's ability to provide specific anti-racism educational programs within local schools.

The move has been met with significant pushback. Gary Bennett, a former Sunderland AFC captain and the current head coach for Show Racism the Red Card, expressed his disappointment, describing himself as “shocked” by the sudden withdrawal of what he characterized as vital funding. Opposition politicians have also voiced strong disapproval of the council's decision, labeling the move as a regressive step for the community.

While the council frames the decision as a necessary step to remove political influence from local educational funding, critics argue that the withdrawal of support undermines long-standing efforts to combat racism in schools. The disagreement highlights a broader tension regarding the role of local government in funding organizations that advocate for specific social causes.