The leaders of the political groups in Brighton & Hove have issued a statement regarding terrorist incident in Reading available here.
The One Voice Partnership Statement (below) is available on the Community Safety Partnership website here.
A briefing with further information on help available, and details on how to report hate incidents, can be accessed here.
#WeStandTogether
Communities across Brighton & Hove stand together as One Voice
The Brighton & Hove ‘One Voice Partnership’ stands together in solidarity following the tragic incident in Forbury Gardens, Reading on Saturday 20th June 2020. We do not tolerate violence against innocent people, wherever it takes place. Together we speak with one voice against all forms of hate, extremist perspectives, and terrorist actions in the city and elsewhere. Together we stand firm that these acts of violence and hate must not go any further.
We send our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost their loved ones, those who have been injured, and all affected communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
We appreciate our police and emergency services quick response to reduce risks and praise community members who assisted victims in the Reading park.
We reiterate the police advice ‘please do not share the images of the incident to avoid further distress to affected families and communities, and to stop promotion of further hatred’.
The One Voice partnership reaffirms its commitment for Brighton & Hove’s ‘city values’ based on pluralism, equality, fairness and respect for all. It’s now even more important for all our communities to demonstrate that we will not let any terrorist action divide us and continue our great tradition of unity and respect for all.
We stand in solidarity with our LGBTQ+ communities who have lost friends and campaigners in this terrorist incident. We will continue to support and stand for human rights and are committed to ensure that all residents in our city are treated equally with respect and dignity regardless of race, religion, gender sexual identity or nationality. As a City of Sanctuary, we will work to protect those rights of all our residents equally.
At such difficult times, the resilience, love and compassion shown by communities confirms our belief that standing together in solidarity and increasing trust between the communities is the way forward.
The current global pandemic serves as a reminder that we are all interconnected. We are one in sorrow, knowing that such acts do not divide us, but enable us to seek to be stronger, more understanding, more accepting and more compassionate.
Reporting Suspicious Activities
The threat level from terrorism to the UK remains unchanged at ‘Substantial’, meaning an attack is likely. The police and other agencies continue to work to keep the public safe.
Co-operation between the public and the police is the greatest asset in tackling the challenge the UK faces from terrorism. Sussex Police and Brighton & Hove City Council ask our residents and communities to remain aware and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity immediately by calling the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 or 999 in an emergency.
You can also report online to Sussex Police at sussex.police.uk/contact-us/report-online.
For further information and support, go to www.safeinthecity.info/getting-help/preventing-terrorism-and-extremism or www.gov.uk/ACT .
Reporting Hate Incidents and Seeking Support
One Voice members urge everyone to be aware and encourage residents and communities to report any racist, religiously motivated, and all forms of hate incidents within our communities. Please report hate incidents at: www.safeinthecity.info/getting-help/racist-incidents
If you are worried or concerned about how the incident has affected you or any of your communities, please do advise me (Nahida.Shaikh@brighton-hove.gov.uk) and we will ensure that together with other statutory partners we will respond to community concerns.
Organisations can also use the Counter Terrorism Police’s online training package ‘ACT Awareness eLearning’ for advice on Protective Security and how to respond.
For further information and support, go to www.safeinthecity.info/getting-help/preventing-terrorism-and-extremism or www.gov.uk/ACT .
