This week:

• I was in contact with the police and local businesses before the far right demonstrations on Saturday 27 September about plans to manage the situation. I also contacted Council Leader Karen Kilgour about the use of the Crowne Plaze, which the council owns, for a far right conference which “Tommy Robinson” (his real name is Stephen Yaxley Lennon) wss due to attend. This booking was later cancelled by the hotel’s management, citing health and safety concerns.
• I attended and spoke at the counter-protest at Grey’s Monument. I was delighted that over 3000 people came to show the real Newcastle: A place where everyone is welcome and you are free to wear what you like, believe what you like and live how you like. There are only three rules: be kind, respect other peoples rights and take care of each other.
• I withdrew my objections to two licensing applications for the Cup and Craic – a new bar on Collingwood Street – and St James’ Cafe – a new cafe bar on Leazes Park Road. In both cases my concerns had not changed but, because there was no objection from the Licensing Authority, Environmental Health Team or police, I knew that my objections would not be successful. There is a delay in scheduling committee dates so the applicants’ business would have been negatively impacted in the meantime and I did not think that would be fair. Read more about my objections and the feedback I received: Cup and Craic withdrawal; Cup and Craic conditions;and St James’ Cafe withdrawal.
• I was contacted by Quayside residents concerned that they had not been given propert notification of a planning application and have asked the planning team about this.