“There are no words to convey the horror and heartbreak of what happened in Southport. The thoughts of everyone at Merton council are with the family and friends of the bereaved and injured, and all those affected in the Southport community.
At a time when the bereaved need time and space to grieve and the injured need to focus on healing, they are having to witness terrible acts of violence and rioting in their own community and across the UK.
Like many of you, I am deeply concerned about and appalled by the violent incidents we have seen unfold. This disgraceful disorder is being targeted against Muslim and migrant communities, and there is absolutely no place for it on our streets, or anywhere in our society.
I know that many residents are worried, and I want to reassure everyone that we stand with our community, against anyone who threatens to disrupt our peace, safety and cohesion. Our Community Safety Team is working closely with the police to reach out to Mosques and places of worship, and patrols have been increased in the borough.
We will never allow the far-right to sow division and hatred in our community. There is no place for hate in Merton and hate crime of any description will not be tolerated.
I am proud to be from Merton. Our borough is a wonderfully welcoming, inclusive and vibrant place to live and we know that our strength is in our diversity and our belief in community. In the face of hatred, Merton remains united – one borough, one community.
Councillor Ross Garrod
Leader, London Borough of Merton
