Council Leader statement following protests and unrest across the country
Council Leader Bev Craig calls for compassion, understanding and solidarity following protests in Manchester and across the country this weekend.
Cllr Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council, said:
“Following a weekend that saw a number of serious incidents of unrest in towns and cities across the country, we know that our communities will be feeling understandably anxious and uneasy. We would like to reassure our residents that we will not tolerate disorder in our streets.
“Manchester’s diversity is our strength, and it is now more important than ever that we support one another with compassion, understanding and solidarity.
“I am deeply conscious that some of our communities, especially minority communities, are anxious about discrimination, abuse, anti-Muslim sentiment and racism – much of which is playing out on social media, alongside misinformation and other forms of hate.
“Everyone has the right to feel safe in their community and we will continue to work with colleagues at GMP to monitor local concerns and make sure that Manchester remains a welcoming and safe place. As such, there will be an increased police presence in our neighbourhoods, and we want to be clear that officers are there primarily to provide visibility and reassurance.
“We fully support GMP in taking robust action against anyone who is intent on bringing violence to our city. Swift action is needed to bring people to justice. And we would also like to thank Council staff, officers at Greater Manchester Police, and other partners who helped to keep Manchester safe this weekend under very challenging circumstances.
“There is no justification for criminal behaviour and the actions of the perpetrators undermine everything that Manchester stands for.
“We are proud to be a vibrant, tolerant and accepting place – and we know there is more that unites us than divides us. Now is the time we come together to show what this means.
“There is no place for hate in our city.”
