Agenda

To be presented by the Lord Mayor and Judge Lockhart, Honorary Recorder

Report of the Director of People Services

(a)  Written Question – Booklet 1

(b)  Oral Questions to Chairs of Scrutiny Boards/Chair of Scrutiny

Co-ordination Committee

(c)  Oral Questions to Chairs of other meetings

(d)  Oral Questions to Representatives on Outside Bodies

(e)  Oral Questions to Cabinet Members and Deputy Cabinet Members on any matter

In light of the growing challenges posed by misinformation and the simplifications of complex issues by unsavoury elements to incite deeper divisions in society and make us a weak civilisation, we, the members of the Coventry City Council, propose that Coventry, actively encourage constructive political dialogue grounded in authentic facts and civilised discourse.

To ensure the integrity of our conversations, we suggest the following fundamental rules:

1. Foundation of Facts:  Any claims presented as factual must be based on reputable sources, avoiding reliance on theories propagated by conspiracy groups, cults, unsavoury groups and individuals that lack authenticity.

2. Freedom of Speech: We affirm that Freedom of speech is a sacred right. So clearly identifying facts, opinions, and personal theories and disclosing sources will go a long way to ensure that Freedom of speech is used in its spirit rather than uttering things to generate a reaction for a particular tone in our discourse,

3 Acknowledging inequality exists, and any one of us can suffer from inequalities of many kinds, but addressing inequality should not restrict one group from benefiting in place of another; rather, it should focus on facilitating opportunities for everyone to reach their highest potential.

4. Responsible Discourse: Individuals aspiring to senior leadership roles or holding elected office should avoid engaging in social media disputes over complex subjects, recognising their responsibility to foster mature debate instead.

5. Community Strength: Coventry has long demonstrated resilience and unity. We must respond proactively to the challenges of misinformation and the oversimplification of complex matters.

6. Call to Action: We appeal to all civic-minded individuals, our National Government, and relevant organisations to remain vigilant and safeguard our political and social discourse against fake news, misinformation, and conspiratorial thinking. Also, facilitate better debates and dialogue opportunities

Together, we can strengthen our collective resolve and work towards a brighter future for all Coventry citizens. Let us unite to foster a political environment that values truth, inclusivity, and civility in dialogue.

Conclusion:
We call upon Coventry City Council to endorse this motion and to be a beacon of constructive communication and community resilience.

"This ‘Council instructs officers that they are required to consult relevant Ward Councillors at an early stage of any planning application where a 106 agreement is involved.”

“This council recognises that government proposals to cut disability benefits will hurt many of the most vulnerable people in Coventry and are likely to significantly increase the demand on social services, the NHS, other support services, and communities.

Therefore we commit to doing what we can to support disabled people within Coventry who are affected by these cuts.

We also commit to writing a letter to the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer opposing such cuts and to writing to all of Coventry’s MPs to ask them to vote against these cuts.”