A LABOUR-LED council has taken no action against a councillor who aggressively dragged out a protester by the neck during the party’s conference in Liverpool last year.
The National previously reported on how an investigation was launched into Wolverhampton Labour councillor Harbinder Singh after the incident, which dominated coverage of Rachel Reeves’ maiden speech as Chancellor on September 23, 2024.
A protester, who didn’t want to be named, and a fellow activist from campaign group Climate Resistance, unfurled a banner reading “Still backing polluters, still arming Israel – we voted for change."
He could then be heard shouting – voicing opposition to the new Labour Government continuing to sell arms to Israel amid its ongoing genocide in Gaza – only to then be dragged out aggressively by the neck, leaving visible red marks (seen in video below).
After numerous attempts to contact Wolverhampton Council in the aftermath – most of which led to the response: “no comment” – it was subsequently confirmed that the Wolverhampton Labour group had “formally referred the matter to the council’s monitoring officer”.
Now, a report – which was also delayed by several months – has been released detailing the outcome of the investigation.
“Investigation concluded Code of Conduct does not apply,” the report states.
“Matter falls within the area of ‘private capacity’ not in the role as a Councillor.”
It adds: “Clear legal advice received to that effect and as such no further action is legally able to be taken by the Council.”
The protester who was dragged by the neck (below) previously told The National that this kind of violence is "unacceptable".
"Especially from a Labour councillor," he added.
"But it unfortunately seems to reflect the Labour Party's general attitudes towards voices of opposition – especially those speaking from a humanitarian standpoint.”
A Wolverhampton Council spokesperson said: “The council considers all complaints against members in accordance with its arrangements and the Members Code of Conduct. In order for the Code of Conduct to apply, councillors must be acting in their capacity as a councillor. The Deputy Monitoring Officer, upon legal advice, concluded that the councillor in question was not acting in his capacity as a councillor at the time and therefore no action can be taken by the council.”
Councillor Harbinder Singh has been approached for comment.
