Simon Charleton, Labour's Queens Park by-election candidate, responds after "anti-immigration and anti-trans" social media posts come to light
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Simon Charleton, Labour candidate for Queen's Park ward by-election, has responded after Brighton & Hove Green Party condemned "anti-immigration and anti-trans" comments and posts shared by Mr Charleton.
Mr Charleton 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 Green Party condemns “anti-immigration and anti-trans” social media posts by Labour’s Queens Park by-election candidate
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
Graham Robson
"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."
A release from Brighton & Hove Green Party circulated earlier this week read: "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.
"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."
