Brighton & Hove Green Party has been made aware of comments and posts shared online by Simon Charleton, the Labour Party candidate for the Queen’s Park ward by-election. 

A release published by Brighton & Hove Greens reads: "There can be no question that Simon Charleton’s comments are beyond unacceptable. As a city, Brighton & Hove stands firm in holding values of inclusivity, in standing alongside marginalised communities against discrimination and hatred, and in our City of Sanctuary status. Brighton & Hove Greens stand in full solidarity with trans and non-binary residents, and against the ‘hostile environment’ that Labour continue to operate.

Brighton & Hove Labour must answer for why they have selected a candidate who so clearly stands against the values of our city

"At a time when migrants are being demonised, and where trans people are used as political scapegoats both in the media and by establishment political parties, Brighton & Hove Labour must answer for why they have selected a candidate who so clearly stands against the values of our city, and whether his views reflect their own." 

Posts shared by Simon Charleton include content echoing "false, far-right narratives" around small boats and immigration, as well as further posts that amplify "cruel, transphobic" talking points. The release from the Greens continues: "Brighton Kemptown, where Queen’s Park is situated, has one of the highest proportions of trans people in England and residents deserve to know exactly where the Labour candidate stands on these issues of human rights and equalities."

Brighton & Hove Greens believe Labour council leader Bella Sankey deserves credit for going against her "national party’s anti-trans narrative, including her defence of the vital Trans Inclusion Toolkit". However, the release goes on: "She must now explain why she is enthusiastically campaigning for a Labour candidate who has publicly spoken against this resource.

"If she is prepared to support a candidate who is not only unwilling to support our trans and non-binary residents, but who is actively participating in discrimination against them, then questions must be asked about how sincere her solidarity really is.

"An urgent clarification is needed as to whether these views are accepted by Brighton & Hove Labour Party."

Simon Charleton

Simon Charleton, Labour candidate for Queen's Park ward by-election, said: "Brighton & Hove is a city of sanctuary. Under our progressive Labour council, we have redoubled efforts to support asylum seekers and refugees in our city. Both as a resident and candidate, I share this position and stand fully with them.

"My own parents were migrants who were persecuted for their religious beliefs.  "I'm aware of historic retweets and comments that have emerged from my social media accounts. These retweets were a mistake and do not represent my views, or those of the local Labour party. 

"Brighton & Hove is a progressive beacon for the rest of the country - for LGBTQ+ people, for asylum seekers and refugees, and for anyone who wants to come here and be themselves - including our Trans and Non-Binary community. I am a longtime ally of the LGBTQI+ community, fighting the Tories' Section 28.

"The record of the local Labour council is extremely strong in supporting all our communities - including publishing a redrafted Trans Inclusion Toolkit for schools and seeking to ensure trans people will not be discriminated against following the Supreme Court judgment on sex & gender. That is what is on the ballot paper on 18 September. I am proud to stand for this and ready to serve the Queen's Park community."

While we have embedded the chain of 'tweets' above, we've taken some screenshots of the posts for those who don't use X, formerly Twitter.

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Graham Robson
Graham Robson

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