One Voice Statement following Manchester Incident, vigils in the City on 24 May 2017, how to report and access support
May 23, 2017
#WeStandTogether
The Brighton & Hove ‘One Voice Partnership’ reaffirms that communities, council and police stand together in solidarity in our response following the tragic incident in Manchester yesterday. We do not tolerate violence against innocent people, wherever it takes place. Together we speak with one voice against extremist perspectives and terrorist actions in the city and elsewhere.
The incident following the concert in Manchester Arena yesterday has deeply saddened us all. We send our deepest sympathies to the families of those who have lost lives, those who have been injured, and all affected communities. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families.
It’s now even more important for all our communities to demonstrate that we will not let any terrorist action divide us and continue our great tradition of unity and respect for all. We stand firm that these acts of violence and hate must not go any further. We must look out and care for each other and ensure that individuals and communities are not singled out in our city.
Vigils on Wednesday 24 May 2017:
A number of vigils have been organised in the city to remember those who have been killed or injured in yesterday’s attack, you are all invited and welcome to join these.
10:30 am – One Minute Silence Vigil outside Brighton Town Hall and Hove Town Hall
Councillors, staff and residents are welcome to meet outside the main entrances at the Brighton Town Hall and Hove Town Hall at 10:30 am tomorrow for a one minute silence to remember all those killed or injured in Manchester yesterday and elsewhere in the world in similar violence.
7pm to 8pm – Vigil at Hove Methodist Church
The Interfaith Contact Group has set aside their regular weekly prayer circle tomorrow (Wednesday 24 May 2017) as a vigil, honouring all those who have suffered both directly and indirectly from the terrible tragedy that took place in Manchester last night.
Meet at: Hove Methodist Church, Portland Road, Hove. BN3 5DR.
8pm to 9pm – Vigil at St Luke’s Prestonville
St Luke’s Prstonville, 64 Old Shoreham Road, Brighton. BN1 5DD.
We will keep you advised of other vigils in the city that are still being confirmed.
Reporting and Support
Co-operation between the public and the police is the greatest asset in tackling the challenge the UK faces from terrorism. Sussex Police and Brighton & Hove City Council are asking all residents and communities to remain aware and to report any suspicious behaviour or activity immediately by calling the confidential anti-terrorist hotline on 0800 789 321 or 999 in an emergency. You can also report online to Sussex Police at sussex.police.uk/contact-us/report-online or the Metropolitan police at https://beta.met.police.uk/tell-us-about/possible-terrorist-activity/report-possible-terrorist-activity/
One Voice members urge everyone to be aware and are encouraging residents and communities to report any racist, religiously motivated or other hate incidents within our communities. Please report hate incidents at www.safeinthecity.info/getting-help/racist-incidents
For further information and support, go to www.safeinthecity.info/getting-help/preventing-terrorism-and-extremism or www.gov.uk/ACT .
if you are worried or concerned about how the incident has affected you or any of your communities, please do advise me (Nahida.Shaikh@brighton-hove.gcsx.gov.uk) and we will ensure that together with other statutory partners we will respond to community concerns.
