"We remain committed to working with colleagues across the Council in a spirit of respect, inclusion and cooperation for the benefit of our city.”

On behalf of the Liberal Democrat Birmingham City Council Group, the Group Leader Councillor Roger Harmer wrote in his letter to the Lord Mayor today: 

“The reflection delivered at the AGM, accompanied by an English translation, promoted values of unity, respect, honesty and service to others. These are universal principles that resonate across communities and faiths throughout Birmingham.

As a city, Birmingham's strength lies in its diversity. Recognising different faiths, cultures and traditions within our civic life is not exclusionary; it reflects the communities we are elected to serve.

At a time when we are trying to come together as a city and work constructively to form an administration, we need something better than divisiveness. Our focus should be on building relationships, finding common ground and delivering for Birmingham residents, rather than creating unnecessary division over respectful expressions of faith and community values.

We remain committed to working with colleagues across the Council in a spirit of respect, inclusion and cooperation for the benefit of our city.”