GM Leaders Pledge To Stand Together Against Hatred

Wednesday, 13 July 2016 17:00

Dozens of Greater Manchester’s faith and community leaders are standing together against hatred as they signed a new statement pledging their commitment to encouraging strong, diverse communities.

Leaders, including GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, Councillor Carl Austin-Behan, Lord Mayor of Manchester, Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, Mrs Sharon Bannister, President, Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, Mr Qadir Chohan, Chair, Manchester Council of Mosques, Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Lloyd and many others came together at Manchester Cathedral to sign the statement created as a result of a rise in hate crimes following the EU referendum result.

Greater Manchester saw a 23 per cent increase in hate crime in the week after the country chose to leave the European Union at the end of June.

Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “I believe in a democratic society people should be safe, both from physical harm, but also from hatred. Sadly we are seeing a significant number of people across Greater Manchester being subjected to hate incidents and hate crimes. This is totally unacceptable. This is an important step in uniting our communities and am pleased to see so many other influential people standing with us to end hate crime and discrimination.

“This statement very clearly reinforces our commitment to encouraging inclusive communities, whilst recognising the difference people bring to Greater Manchester that help make it such a wonderful place. It is also, however, a very strong message to those who go against this – there is absolutely no place for hatred or discrimination in Greater Manchester. We will do all we can to take action against anyone who commits hate crimes.”

Faith Leaders’ Secretary, Canon Steve Williams, said: “The speed with which Faith Leaders acted shows how serious we consider the situation to be. But it also shows that people in our communities want to make a positive difference – to support people who’ve suffered in this way, and to promote good-news stories of acts of kindness and inclusion that build bridges, not barriers.”

More from Local and National News

City presents Windrush pioneer with prestigious Leeds Award

one of the nation’s last surviving HMT Empire Windrush passengers and the city’s only remaining Caribbean Second World War serviceman received the Leeds Award in a ceremony at the Civic Hall.
More Than 10,000 Arrests Made By Team Dedicated To Reducing Violent Crime

A specialist team working to reduce violent crime has started a New Year by passing a new milestone after making more than 10,000 arrests.
Plate expectations as historic registration could be up for sale

A unique gift exchanged by two former Lord Mayors of Leeds more than 120 years ago could be about to help the city with unprecedented budget challenges.
Calderdale: Celebrating over 350 years of service at Council

Fourteen Calderdale Council employees have been recognised for a combined total of over 350 years of service at an event at Halifax Town Hall on Thursday 26 October.
Activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage sentenced

A group of activists who caused £100,000 worth of damage to a service station on the M25 has been sentenced at Lewes Crown Court on Friday (27 October)
Appeal Following Collision and Death of Man in Otley, Leeds

Police are appealing for witnesses to a collision in Leeds in which a man later died.
Vehicle involved in fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire seized by Bradford Council

A vehicle involved in multiple incidences of fly tipping across West and North Yorkshire has been seized by Bradford Council.
Anti-social behaviour funding boost in Clitheroe, Colne and Darwen

As part of the county-wide crackdown on anti-social behaviour (ASB) Lancashire Constabulary and Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden have announced a further eight areas set to benefit from additional resources to tackle anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Lancashire.
Leeds City Council to launch review on taxi vehicle condition standards

Leeds City Council’s Licensing Committee is to embark on a review of vehicle condition standards for hackney and private hire vehicles, following updates to national guidance.
Man Named After Fatal Road Traffic Collision, Leeds Road, Bradford

Police have named the man who died after a road traffic collision on Leeds Road in Bradford last week.
Over £4,000 raised for Mental Health Charity in Bradford

Visitors to the stunning Van Gogh Alive UK exhibition in Bradford donated more than £4,000 to Mind in Bradford.
Bradford Clean Air Zone and the results of traffic flow monitoring

The Bradford Clean Air Zone has been live since September 2022 and is operating to improve air quality in the district by deterring the most polluting vehicles from entering the zone.

Listener Club

Get more with the Listener Club!

Legal Show

Once a fortnight we dedicate a show to discussing legal issues and family / matrimonial law in particular. Alternate Friday mornings between 9am-11pm.
Remix Saturdays

Every Saturday evening we turn to remixes of hit songs to get you in the Saturday night party mood! Every Saturday between 5pm - 8pm
Bhangra Nights

Get over the Weekday blues - Every Tuesday night is party night with the best Bhangra and Urban Asian Beats. The Bhangra Show every Tuesday between 8pm-11pm
The Golden Era

The golden era of Bollywood celebrated in this weekly show full of classics taking you back in time. Every Sunday between 5pm - 7pm