Council concerned over ‘community unrest’ if second EU referendum takes place

Electoral services are prepared in case another national poll on exiting the EU is called.

But Rotherham Borough Council said it was worried about potential disorder if the Government does decide to hold another referendum.

Asked at last Wednesday’s scrutiny meeting if RMBC was prepared, assistant chief executive Shokat Lal said: “Yes, we are trying not to think about it but from a contingency planning point of view, we have considered that. 

“We know what resources would be required. If we have to be ready for that, then we are ready for that.

“Alongside that, in our own planning, we know that if there is a second referendum we are really concerned in terms of communities and community tensions.

“Electoral services, absolutely we would be ready. I think the bigger concern is community unrest and how we manage that.”

Mr Lal is also to review elected members’ risk assessments after they raised concerns for their personal safety amid heightened tensions over the EU.