We Stand Together - Pledge of Support
Dozens of Greater Manchester’s faith and community leaders stood together against hatred as they signed a new statement pledging their commitment to encouraging strong, diverse communities.
Leaders, including GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, Councillor Carl Austin-Behan, Lord Mayor of Manchester, Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, Mrs Sharon Bannister, President, Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, Mr Qadir Chohan, Chair, Manchester Council of Mosques and many others came together at Manchester Cathedral to sign the statement, created as a result of a rise in hate crimes following the EU referendum result.
Greater Manchester saw a 23 per cent increase in hate crime in the week after the country chose to leave the European Union at the end of June.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “I believe in a democratic society people should be safe, both from physical harm, but also from hatred. Sadly we are seeing a significant number of people across Greater Manchester being subjected to hate incidents and hate crimes. This is totally unacceptable. Today is an important step in uniting our communities and am pleased to see so many other influential people standing with us to end hate crime and discrimination.
“This statement very clearly reinforces our commitment to encouraging inclusive communities, whilst recognising the difference people bring to Greater Manchester that help make it such a wonderful place. It is also, however, a very strong message to those who go against this – there is absolutely no place for hatred or discrimination in Greater Manchester. We will do all we can to take action against anyone who commits hate crimes.”
Faith Leaders’ Secretary, Canon Steve Williams, said: “The speed with which Faith Leaders acted shows how serious we consider the situation to be. But it also shows that people in our communities want to make a positive difference – to support people who’ve suffered in this way, and to promote good-news stories of acts of kindness and inclusion that build bridges, not barriers.”
The statement is part of GMP’s We Stand Together’ campaign which encourages people to come together as one and celebrate their differences in order to build safer and stronger communities.
It was signed at an event hosted by the Diocese of Manchester on Tuesday, 12 July, which saw speeches from Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, the Dean, Bishop David Walker, The Lord Mayor and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Anyone who experiences hate crime is encouraged to report it by calling the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or using the True Vision website (www.report-it.org.uk).
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.
We Stand Together - Pledge of Support
Dozens of Greater Manchester’s faith and community leaders stood together against hatred as they signed a new statement pledging their commitment to encouraging strong, diverse communities.
Leaders, including GMP Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, Councillor Carl Austin-Behan, Lord Mayor of Manchester, Rt Revd David Walker, Bishop of Manchester, Mrs Sharon Bannister, President, Jewish Representative Council of Greater Manchester and Region, Mr Qadir Chohan, Chair, Manchester Council of Mosques and many others came together at Manchester Cathedral to sign the statement, created as a result of a rise in hate crimes following the EU referendum result.
Greater Manchester saw a 23 per cent increase in hate crime in the week after the country chose to leave the European Union at the end of June.
Chief Constable Ian Hopkins said: “I believe in a democratic society people should be safe, both from physical harm, but also from hatred. Sadly we are seeing a significant number of people across Greater Manchester being subjected to hate incidents and hate crimes. This is totally unacceptable. Today is an important step in uniting our communities and am pleased to see so many other influential people standing with us to end hate crime and discrimination.
“This statement very clearly reinforces our commitment to encouraging inclusive communities, whilst recognising the difference people bring to Greater Manchester that help make it such a wonderful place. It is also, however, a very strong message to those who go against this – there is absolutely no place for hatred or discrimination in Greater Manchester. We will do all we can to take action against anyone who commits hate crimes.”
Faith Leaders’ Secretary, Canon Steve Williams, said: “The speed with which Faith Leaders acted shows how serious we consider the situation to be. But it also shows that people in our communities want to make a positive difference – to support people who’ve suffered in this way, and to promote good-news stories of acts of kindness and inclusion that build bridges, not barriers.”
The statement is part of GMP’s We Stand Together’ campaign which encourages people to come together as one and celebrate their differences in order to build safer and stronger communities.
It was signed at an event hosted by the Diocese of Manchester on Tuesday, 12 July, which saw speeches from Chief Constable Ian Hopkins, the Dean, Bishop David Walker, The Lord Mayor and the Police and Crime Commissioner.
Anyone who experiences hate crime is encouraged to report it by calling the police on 101, Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or using the True Vision website (www.report-it.org.uk).
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit www.gmp.police.uk
You should call 101, national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.