Council backing campaign against far-right sentiment
THE council is backing a campaign to tackle far-right sentiment in Merthyr Tydfil by telling the story of how immigration has benefited Wales.
The project funded by the Welsh Government and the Home Office aims to address far-right sentiment in certain areas where there is evidence that it resonates strongly.
This far-right sentiment is said to be more prevalent in places on the periphery of major towns and cities like Merthyr and the council is hoping for a local campaign similar to existing UK campaigns, speaking specifically to Welsh identity, talking about the story of South Wales and the part that immigration has played in its prosperity.
It would be a communications campaign that can speak to what the council calls the “anxious middle” in South Wales, drawing upon Welsh identity and the region’s shared migration and industrial history.
The aim is to get the message across that people from all backgrounds and walks of life are Welsh, and contribute to Welsh society, economy, public services and culture, as well as instilling a sense of local pride.
The campaign is targeting 50% (1.5 million) of Wales’ population who live in the target region.
The campaign would focus on the history of migration in south east Wales’ port cities of Cardiff and Newport and neighbouring valleys areas like Merthyr Tydfil, Blaenau Gwent, Rhondda Cynon Taf, Torfaen and Caerphilly.
Evidence has found that approximately 50% of the UK population are anxious about social change and migration, but see both pressures and gains.
In south east Wales, there are areas where a higher number of people are finding far right views on immigration compelling and persuasive.
A cabinet report for Wednesday, February 26 says: “Facts and figures don’t generally resonate with the ‘anxious middle’ or ‘rejectionist’ segments, but there is evidence that narrative based approaches focusing on local stories can be effective in winning ‘hearts and minds’ and building resilience within the anxious middle to far right narratives.”
It adds: “There should be a visible and clear message that there are people of all different backgrounds and walks of life in Wales.”
Merthyr Tydfil council says it wants to have the campaign live before the end of financial year if possible but adds it is not rigid on time-scales but Welsh Government has already bought up ad space for the end of March.