A statement from the Bradford Independent Group calls for measures to ensure the safety of Muslim communities.
Calling for the Bradford community to stand together against hate and continue to push for stronger measures against extremism the statement says: “We are deeply outraged and gravely concerned by the recent surge of violence by far-right groups across the UK.
These brutal acts attack our core values of humanity, freedom, and respect. We vehemently condemn those who seek to sow division and fear within our community.
Our heartfelt sympathies go out to the families in Southport, mourning the tragic loss of three beautiful girls, Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Dasilva Aguiar and the many injured children who now face not only physical but deep emotional scars from this devastating attack.
Instead of uniting in support of these families, the far-right has hijacked this tragedy to spread Islamophobic and racist rhetoric, causing chaos, damage, injuries, and fear in our peaceful communities nationwide. Years of effort to live in harmony, promote peace, and celebrate our commonalities are now under threat.
The actions of the far-right must be recognised and called out as terrorism.
Bradford, with its rich cultural diversity and significant Muslim community, is particularly vulnerable to such hateful acts. We urge the Council Leader and the Police Chief Superintendent to take immediate and decisive action to protect our communities and uphold our shared values of peace and unity.
The Bradford Independent Group calls for action as follows:
1. Implement all necessary measures to ensure the safety
of every citizen.
2. Increase Police presence in vulnerable areas, places of worship especially around Mosques and Muslim neighbourhoods.
3. Enhance community engagement to strengthen solidarity across Bradford.
4. We also urge the council to work closely with agencies to curb the spread of misinformation and fake news on social media platforms.
It is essential that the public receive clear and consistent reassurances that their well-being and safety is paramount, and that every possible measure is being implemented to prevent any incidents of violence, intimidation and threats in Bradford.
The Bradford Independent Group is committed to working hand in hand with law enforcement, political/ community leaders, and residents to safeguard our city.”
