Leeds City Council issues joint statement calling for unity and acceptance

Councillor James Lewis, Leader of Leeds City Council,  Leeds Lord Mayor, Abigail Marshall Katung and Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, said:

“As a city, we stand united in our absolute condemnation of racism, intolerance and prejudice in all its forms and there is simply no place anywhere in the UK for the type of appalling violence we have seen in some towns and cities over the past week.

“Leeds is a city proudly built on the values of unity, acceptance and togetherness and we have every intention of working together to stay true to those values and to not let anyone who seeks to sow division and undermine our local communities, succeed.

“Recently our executive board reaffirmed the council’s commitment to zero tolerance on discrimination, including racism and anti-Muslim prejudice. Alongside our partners in the police, community leaders and local faith groups, we will continue to champion that commitment and work to ensure everyone in our city feels safe.

“Now is a time for us to come together and do exactly what the people of Leeds always do best -  look after each other.”