Moved by Councillor Kelly and seconded by Councillor Singh.

Councillor Mrs Maddi Bridgeman left the meeting at 7.15pm.

The Council agreed to deviate from standing orders and to extend the meeting until business was complete.

Councillor Nick Kelly introduced the Motion on Notice on Sir Francis Drake. This was seconded by Councillor Chaz Singh.

An amendment was proposed by Councillor George Wheeler and seconded by Councillor Lauren McLay.

The meeting was adjourned for 5 minutes for Councillors to consider the amendment.

Following a discussion with a contribution from Councillor Kelly the Council did not agree the amendment to –

1)    Insert a new third paragraph that read: “Drake’s expeditions were based on a triangular system of trade, the first leg taking British goods and produce to sell in Africa, the second leg taking the “goods” brought with the sale of the British produce from West Africa to the Caribbean and the third utilising the proceeds of the Caribbean sales to buy gold or goods in the Caribbean for transport back to Britain. The profitability of the voyages were augmented by the occasional act of piracy. The dark aspect of this trading system is that the “goods” taken from Africa to the Caribbean were people – black slaves. Many of these did not reach the Caribbean alive.”

2)    Delete 2proud” in line 3 of (renumbered) fourth paragraph;

3)    Add after heritage in line 3 of (renumbered) fourth paragraph: “, that of which we can be proud but also that of which we should feel deep shame.”;

4)    Delete resolutions 1 and 2 and replaced with: “The Council resolved that all celebration and promotion of our historical figures, including Drake, should tell the whole story of their exploits, good and bad.”

For (3)

Councillors McLay, Poyser and Wheeler.

Abstain (20)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy, Reilly, Rennie, Stevens, Tippetts, Tuohy,

Against (20)

Councillors Carlyle, Churchill, Drean, Finn, Harrison, Mrs Loveridge, Lugger, Dr Mahony, Patel, Salmon, Shayer, Smith, Stoneman, Tofan, Ms Watkin, Wakeham, Mrs Beer, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Absent/Did Not Vote (6)

Councillor Dr Cree, Hulme, Bingley, Partridge, Riley and Mrs Bridgeman.

Following a discussion with contributions from Councillor Cresswell, Holloway and Patel the Council did not agree the motion on notice to –

1)    Call upon the Cabinet member for Culture & Tourism specifically, and all members of the Council, to use adequate resources (including legal, financial, time and publicity/media) to actively protect the important and famous existing use of the name Drake by the Local Authority in line with the law and functions of the Local Authority.

2)    This included anything associated with him, e.g. statue of Drake on the Hoe, Drake Ward, etc throughout the city, in order to seek to safeguard Sir Francis Drake’s prominent historic achievements and proud links with the City of Plymouth.

For (4)

Councillors Mrs Beer, Kelly, Nicholson and Singh.

Abstain (22)

Councillors Allen, Mrs Aspinall, Briars-Delve, Coker, Cresswell, Dann, Evans OBE, Goslin, Haydon, Hendy, Holloway, McDonald, Murphy, Noble, Penberthy,  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46