In a significant statement of solidarity and cross-party collaboration in the face of the violence seen in Liverpool and elsewhere, all 85 councillors on Liverpool City Council have united behind a single statement of commitment. There will also be an opportunity for this statement to be discussed further by Councillors at the next Full Council meeting on 18th September. The statement reads…
“As Councillors representing the City of Liverpool, we are united in condemning the criminal, racist, Islamophobic and violent disorder we have witnessed on our streets. We express our deepest sympathy for the families of the three young girls so cruelly murdered in Southport, and to all those injured. We express our disgust at those who sought to exploit this appalling tragedy to divide communities, in Southport, Liverpool and around the country.
“We stand in solidarity with our communities, against those who would seek to divide us. We reaffirm our commitment to Liverpool as a City of Sanctuary, and celebrate its diversity and inclusivity. We are proud to represent a city of many faiths and we commit to support and defend those who are targeted because of their faith or race. We denounce all forms of racial hatred, and endeavour to promote social justice and equality for all. As Muslims were specifically targeted by hatred and threats of violence, we commit to strengthening support and solidarity, including through additional protection for mosques and other centres of community life.
“The goodwill we have seen from people in and beyond the city, including to recover from the attack on County Road and the Spellow Library and Community Hub, shows the true spirit of Liverpool. We welcome the unity shown by local residents, faith and community leaders, police, fire service, NHS and council staff, businesses, trade unions and universities, and the solidarity shown by those who attended peaceful assembles and vigils.
“As Councillors representing different political traditions, we are united in our determination and commitment to bring our communities together, and to address the under-investment that can create a fertile breeding ground for division. As democratic representatives of all citizens of Liverpool, we commit to peaceful debate and dialogue, recognising there is much more that unites us than divides us.
“Within our wards, and across the city, we will work to achieve these ends, and show that attempts to divide our city will never succeed.”