Sunderland City Council has ended its 30-year partnership with the anti-racism charity Show Racism the Red Card, following the council's takeover by Reform UK, a right-wing political party led by Nigel Farage. The decision has sparked controversy, with critics accusing the new council of cutting support for an organization focused on combating racism and discrimination. Gary Bennett, a former captain of Sunderland AFC and the charity’s head coach, expressed shock and disappointment, saying the move would disrupt the charity’s work in schools, prisons, and workplaces. Bennett, who became the second Black player in Sunderland’s history when he joined the club in 1984, was one of the founders of Show Racism the Red Card, established in 1996. He emphasized that the charity is not politically motivated, despite the council’s claim that it has an “agenda.” Bennett argued that recent racist incidents in cities like Sunderland highlighted the continued need for such work, especially in addressing attitudes toward asylum seekers and migrants. Christopher Eynon, the Reform UK leader of Sunderland City Council, defended the decision, stating the council would not support “politically charged organizations with an agenda.” He denied that the move signaled a retreat from fighting racism, insisting that “racism has no place in Sunderland.” He criticized Ged Grebby, the charity’s chief executive, for calling Reform a “very dangerous organisation.” Grebby responded by defending his right to express personal views and noted that the charity has support across the political spectrum. In a separate development, Reform UK has faced criticism over its stance on migrant communities. In Bradford, Reform councillors proposed ending the city’s status as a “Local Authority of Sanctuary,” a designation meant to show support for migrant communities. Reform argued that public services should prioritize local residents over migrants, despite criticism from Labour politicians like Imran Khan, who accused the party of promoting division and failing to deliver on promises to residents. Khan warned that the move would harm integration and do nothing to help those in need.