The UK is a beacon of unity with a strong bond between communities of different faiths, backgrounds and heritage. So, to see the clashes in Birmingham and East Leicester is sickening. We must collectively do everything within our means to diffuse the tension and maintain the spirit of harmony and respect for all faiths and communities. United we are stronger. In a statement, Navin Shah CBE, Former Chair of London Assembly; Former Elected Member of London Assembly & Harrow Council Community Activist said, “I’m gutted by the reports of disorder and communal clashes in areas of East Leicester and Birmingham (Smethwick) and extremely worrying are the reports about people coming from outside the county (Leicester) to stir up trouble and violence. This has heightened concerns locally and in wider communities. I find a video circulating showing a man pulling off a flag outside the temple on Melton Road, Leicester disgusting. There can never be any reason or excuse for such hatred and I totally condemn it.
“This is the time to reflect and not retaliate because flaming the fires will do no good. It’s time for reassurance, calming the raw emotions and diffusing the situation. It’s time for diplomacy and multiagency work to restore order and the sense of oneness. I see this as a collective responsibility and therefore “
1. Urge the Home Secretary to do everything in her power to immediately restore order and peace in the areas affected and provide adequate resources to stop such communal clashes and bring about community cohesion.
2. Ask local Executive Mayors / Local Authorities and Police to take control of their localities and ensure that their own communities and faith groups are reassured and protected from disorder.
3. Ask local residents and stakeholders to write to their local MPs to put pressure on Home Secretary and public bodies for appropriate measures to restore peace for now and for the future.
4. Ask community and faith groups to work in the spirit of solidarity and not allow the external agents/bodies, divisive influences from individuals and extremist agencies to damage our unity that is so vital for peace and progress.
5. Ask Faith Groups, Trustees of places of worship to be vigilant and seek and even demand support from authorities for the safety of premises and congregation at all times.
“We do not have the luxury of time. With Navratri celebrations underway and Diwali on the horizon, immediate measures are vital. I have written to Home Secretary to act now to protect our multi-cultural multi-faith communities. I will continue my work to help maintain community cohesion for which we have spent decades as we cannot risk that being affected in any shape or form.
