Statement from Leader of Redbridge Council: Recent unrest across the country

Cllr Kam Rai, the Leader of Redbridge Council, has issued the following statement on the recent riots which have taken place across the country:

"Following the recent violent attacks across the country, we stand together with communities in Redbridge, condemning the barbarity and the targeted assaults on mosques and hotels housing families seeking asylum. 

"Everyone deserves to feel safe regardless of their faith, race, or identity and we have been horrified to see the devastating attacks in Southport co-opted by the far-right to justify violence against minority groups including Muslim communities. 

I"slamophobia, racism, and anti-migrant violence has no place in our country.

"We have remained in constant contact with the Police to ensure our streets remain safe, and that local places of worship in Redbridge have the support necessary to continue operating.

"There can be no solace for the families of the young children murdered in Southport, their grief is unimaginable, and throughout the terrible events of the last week our thoughts have remained with them. The people of Redbridge grieve with the families of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice Dasilva Aguiar, and all those impacted by the attack in Southport.

"We cannot, and we will not let extremist thugs commit violence in the name of the Southport victims, they do not speak for the people of Southport and they do not speak for us in Redbridge.

"We welcome the Prime Minister’s commitment to using the full force of the law against all those committing violent acts across the country, and will continue to work with the Government, the Police, and places of worship to keep our borough safe."