It has been a very worrying time for many members of our diverse communities here in Haringey amid the wave of violence that spread across the country in the aftermath of the shocking incident in Southport last month.
My thoughts remain with the friends and family of the bereaved and injured as they grieve.
For the far-right to have exploited that situation to instigate violent disorder and intimidation on streets and town centres up and down the country is an outrage.
Communities need to come together to heal at a harrowing and traumatic time like this, and yet the far-right sought to sow division based on people’s ethnicity, race or religion. It’s been especially worrying to see Muslim communities being targeted.
Our community came together in solidarity and it was really heartwarming to see such a fantastic turnout for the multi-faith event at Wightman Road Mosque last week that I attended.
That night served as a timely reminder to everybody – not that one was even needed – that we stand united together and will not allow fear and hatred to undermine the fabric of our community.
We will continue to do all we can to ensure our communities feel supported in Haringey. Council leader Cllr Peray Ahmet, deputy leader Cllr Sarah Williams and I as cabinet member for communities have met with many faith leaders recently to reassure them and address any concerns they may have.
The local police force has increased patrols and undertaken reassurance visits in the borough. Our own Community Safety team is in regular contact with Haringey’s Islamic centres, mosques and other places of worship as well.
We are committed to ensuring the safety of everyone in our diverse community.
Haringey has a strong track record of opposing bigotry, hatred and racism and we will work in partnership with our community and faith leaders – and stand shoulder-to-shoulder alongside them – against those who seek to divide us. There is no place for hate in Haringey.
Haringey’s cultural and multi-national diversity and vibrancy is our strength and, in these challenging times, we simply must come together and stand united in condemning these acts of violence.
I would urge anyone who witnesses or experiences a hate crime to report it.
You can find further information about how to report a hate crime in the borough on the Community Safety pages of the Haringey Council website: new.haringey.gov.uk/community-support-safety
- Cllr Ajda Ovat is Haringey Council’s cabinet member for Communities.
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