Westminster attack: Local community leaders speak out

Friday, 24 March 2017 16:00

Five people have died in a horrific terror attack which took place on Wednesday near the Houses of Parliament.

The 52-year-old attacker ran over members of the public with a rented car on the Westminster Bridge killing five people and critically injuring 50 others.

After crashing the car he entered the Palace of Westminster, where he stabbed Pc Keith Palmer to death.

Khalid Masood was soon shot dead by a close protection officer.

Many local community leaders are speaking out following the attack and strongly condemn the attack that took place.

We spoke to:

Bana Gora, Chief executive officer of the Muslim Women’s Council, she said: “We cannot be held individually or collectively responsible for what others claim to do ‘in the name of Islam’, as this creates a guilt-trip of apologism which suggests Muslims bear guilt for an atrocity which has shaken our humanity to the core, as much as it has shaken those who are not Muslim. We must all be vigilant and take precautionary measures to ensure we do not feed into the ‘us’ and ‘them’ narrative. We’d like to emphasise that the media has a responsibility to exercise accurate, balanced reporting. Reactionary reports which vilify Muslims on the basis of their faith or race is precisely the kind of divisiveness that acts of terrorism seek to create.”

Subah Amini Regional co-ordinator for the press and media at the Ahmadiyya community said: “The Ahmadiyya Muslim Community strongly condemns the barbaric attacks that took place in Westminster. Our sympathies and prayers are with the people of London and all those affected. Such attacks and violence against innocent people can never be justified under any circumstances."

Bradford East MP Imran Hussain and Leader of the Bradford council, Susan Hinchliffe were unavailable for comment.

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!

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
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.
Alim OnAir

Have you a question about the religious, cultural or tradition aspect of Islam? Then join Hazrat Maulana Fazal Dad in the weekly show every Friday between 8-9pm.
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