Statement

Statement on civil disorder - 8th August 2024

Milton Keynes Council of Faiths have issued the following statement in response to the civil unrest seen throughout England over the past week:

We extend our deepest condolences to the residents of Southport during this challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the violence, and we wish for a swift recovery for the injured.

We remain committed to cultivating a strong, inclusive, and supportive community that celebrates the diversity of our city, Milton Keynes.

We unequivocally condemn the actions of extremist groups that aim to spread disinformation and incite hatred and violence toward specific communities and people. Such conduct is intolerable, and we urge all members of our communities and neighbourhood to stand together in solidarity, rejecting any attempts to foster division and intolerance.

We commend the diligent efforts of Thames Valley Police in ensuring the safety and security of our neighbourhoods, and we encourage trust in their work.

We also urge everyone to exercise caution when sharing information on social media, ensuring its accuracy before dissemination. Let us continue to promote compassion, peace-building, and mutual respect within our neighbourhoods and communities.

Cllr Waqas Ahmad,

Chair, Milton Keynes Council of Faiths

Thames Valley Police Chief Superintendent Emma Baillie has also shared this statement with residents of Milton Keynes, dated 6th August 2024:

As the Milton Keynes Police Commander, I have been made aware of some rumours today on some local social media groups about attacks in Milton Keynes City that are related to the national disorder. Please be assured that there is no accuracy in any of those I am aware of and we are very proud of how our communities are pulling together as we normally do.

As reported in the press, there is a lot of misinformation out there about incidents that when checked are not true. Combatting misinformation is vital so please think and fact check before reposting anything.

It is safe to continue with your daily business and family activities.

However if you are a witness or victim of any crime then please ring 999 / 101 as appropriate. We are ready to act if/when required and are carrying on day to day policing in our city and surrounding areas. Milton Keynes has been very peaceful, but we are not complacent and have plans in place to manage those risks that are identified. We will have a very low tolerance for any disorder or hate crime – we will take robust action if it occurs, but by working together and flagging intelligence up to us, we can prevent it happening at all.

Local engagement will continue and we have enhanced our patrols around potentially vulnerable locations. Please enjoy the rest of your day and if you see any of our officers out and about please come and say hello.

We also highlight related statements made by the following groups and agencies:

To our friends and neighbours in the MK Muslim community

It was with great sadness and pain that we hear of the unfathomable displays of violent hatred and racism against the Muslim community.

We hope that our Muslim friends and neighbours in MK still feel safe here and that you will not experience direct threats or actual violence against you. We know what it is like to be a minority group that is sometimes misunderstood and despised. We send you our support and sympathy, and stand with you against Islamophobia and all racism. We are determined to maintain, and continually make stronger, the bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our faith communities. There is more that unites us than divides us.

If there is anything we can do to help, please let us know.

Yours,

Ms Lou Tribus and Mr Martin Neville, co-chairs
On behalf of the Milton Keynes and District Synagogue

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