The incident that took place in Southport last week is heartbreaking and I know that members of the Lewisham community will be deeply affected by it.  

Our thoughts are with the victims of the attack. We offer our sincere condolences to the families and loved ones of those whose lives have been lost and who have been injured in the attack. 

The violent disorder and intimidation that has followed across the country is despicable and we condemn it in the strongest possible terms. There is no place for hate, racism or Islamophobia in our society and we must all come together and be united in condemning these acts of violence. 

I am especially concerned to see Muslim and refugee communities being targeted. I want to send a message of reassurance to everyone in our borough that we will not stand for such acts, and we will do all we can, working with our communities and our partners, to ensure all of our communities feel supported, regardless of faith or background. 

Alongside increased patrols by the police and our community safety teams, the Council will be writing to and visiting places of worship across the borough this week to see what more we can be doing together to provide reassurance to our communities. 

Our status as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary means that we have a proud history of welcoming immigrants and directly challenging any hostile behaviour directed towards minorities in Lewisham. It is now more important than ever that we stand together united against hate. 

Brenda Dacres – Mayor of Lewisham