City Council Takes Aim at Online Hate in Newcastle

Newcastle City Council has issued a passionate public statement defending the city's reputation for kindness and inclusion after what it described as an increase in hateful and misleading comments on its official Facebook page.

Published on Tuesday afternoon, the post directly addressed those attempting to spread division online, reminding people that Newcastle has built its identity on welcoming others rather than creating conflict.

Opening with a message aimed at those responsible for abusive comments, the council wrote: "As Geordies, we are so proud of our reputation across the world. Friendly, decent people. Neighbours who regard every stranger as a friend."

It went on to highlight how Newcastle is recognised internationally for its people, football club and nightlife before adding one of the post's strongest messages: "Do you know what we're not known for? Hatred and division."

The statement comes just days after another successful Newcastle Pride celebration, which brought thousands of people into the city centre while providing a significant boost for local businesses.

Pride celebrations praised as city looks forward.

The council described Pride as a celebration that filled Newcastle with "colour, love and celebration", adding that the event also delivered "a big economic boost for businesses."

Newcastle Pride has become one of the North East's largest annual events. Organisers have previously estimated the festival attracts more than 82,000 visitors while contributing around £4 million to the local economy through spending on accommodation, hospitality and entertainment.

Council leaders noted that while most comments following Pride weekend were supportive, a small minority contained discrimination and misinformation.

According to the statement, "The majority were really positive on social media following Pride weekend, but amid the engagement we saw discrimination, bigotry and hate from a small minority."

The authority added that many of those accounts appeared to have little or no connection with Newcastle itself, saying they were "often those accounts had no connection to our city, our country and many we suspect to be fake accounts."

Tackling misinformation alongside abuse.

The council also addressed several recurring claims it says regularly appear beneath posts relating to minority communities, housing and public services.

In one of the clearest sections of the statement, officials wrote: "The council has no role in housing asylum seekers, we aren't responsible for hotels, we don't give our freebies to 'boat people', LGBTQ+ residents are not all weirdos or paedophiles and we're not going to tear down your England flags."

The authority said these narratives frequently originate elsewhere online before appearing repeatedly within local Facebook discussions.

It also stressed that residents remain free to raise genuine concerns about council services, but that abusive behaviour would continue to be challenged.

"We won't shut down legitimate concerns but there is a line," the statement said, adding that a post celebrating refugee schoolchildren helping in the community "will never be the place for racist comments or misinformation."

Respect rather than censorship.

Anticipating criticism over moderation, Newcastle City Council insisted its approach is about maintaining respectful discussion rather than silencing opposing opinions.

The post states plainly: "This isn't censorship. It is about respect, decency and being inclusive."

Officials said every resident should be able to engage with council content without worrying that comment sections would be dominated by abuse.

The authority confirmed it will continue removing comments that breach its social media standards, correcting misinformation where necessary and blocking repeat offenders.

As the statement explained: "We have long challenged such comments, we delete those that cross the line, and we correct misinformation. Fake accounts will be removed, repeat offenders will be blocked."

The council's approach reflects wider efforts across local authorities throughout the UK to balance open discussion with protecting residents from hate speech, harassment and deliberately false information.

Newcastle's reputation is worth protecting.

Throughout the statement, the council repeatedly returned to what it believes defines Newcastle.

For decades the city has enjoyed a reputation for warmth, hospitality and community spirit. Whether visitors come for Newcastle United, concerts, nightlife or major events, many leave remembering the famous Geordie welcome.

Council leaders argued that preserving that reputation means ensuring everyone feels accepted regardless of their background, sexuality or ethnicity.

The statement concluded with perhaps its strongest declaration of civic pride.

"Our position is clear. Newcastle is the best city in the world. Geordies are the friendliest people in the land."bold text

It ended with a message reflecting both the city's famous football colours and its inclusive ambitions.

"We are a city of black and white. Nobody will be made to feel unwelcome."

The debate over online moderation is unlikely to disappear, but Newcastle City Council has left little doubt about where it stands. While robust discussion remains welcome, the authority says discrimination, hatred and misinformation will continue to be challenged wherever they appear on its official platforms.

Join the conversation.

Do you agree with Newcastle City Council's approach to tackling hate and misinformation online?