Birmingham Liberal Democrats: United Against Racism

We were all shocked and appalled by the attack in Southport which took the lives of Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe and Alice Aguiar, and we keep in our thoughts the five children and two adults who were injured.

Sadly, a minority of extremists took this as an excuse for violence, unfairly targeting peaceful communities. Criminals and thugs, whatever their reasons, have no place in a modern society and they are not welcome in Birmingham.

Liberal Democrat councillors are appalled at the violence in other parts of the country, and we stand united with our communities, our police and our armed forces who are working together to find and prosecute those who have looted and rioted on our streets. They will face justice.

We support the right to protest, civil rights and activism. What is happening now is not protest, it’s criminal activity, and the perpetrators will be caught and dealt with.

The vast majority of people seek to live in a law abiding and respectful city, where our diversity is celebrated as our strength.

Across Birmingham, communities are mobilising to support each other. Kindness, decency and acts of compassion are taking place right now, between neighbours, in community spaces and faith buildings all over our city.

These people are what make Birmingham a great place. Racism is not welcome here.