Luton representatives reaffirm commitment to community cohesion and speak out against far right nationalism

The PCC has issued a joint statement with leaders in Luton following this weekend's protest:

As elected representatives of Luton, we are united with our community and faith leaders in condemning the offensive and dangerous display of racist nationalism we saw over the weekend.

While the Unite the Kingdom march took place in London, we know that the impact has been felt locally, be it in places of worship, workplaces, schools, or our homes.

This march did not take place out of the blue. Acts of intimidation have been directed towards ethnic minority groups, particularly our Muslim and Sikh, Black and Asian communities, for a long time now. Last summer’s rioting lives on in our minds of how valuable peace in our communities is.

Whether it’s trolling on social media, bullying in schools or defacing our monuments – we will not stand by and accept it.

The false patriotism of a rally led by a convicted criminal and his supporters does not represent our country, or its values. Their hateful rhetoric is intended to divide our communities and pit neighbours against each other. But we know that in our town, hate won’t win.

We are proud of our diversity. It’s part of our history and it’s building our future. The cultures and customs that we share in Luton make us stronger, more compassionate and enrich the social fabric of our communities. While far-right antagonists encourage violence and exploit our flags, it’s the everyday people quietly serving our community – be it in voluntary organisations, in youth centres, or in elderly care – who embody true patriotism. Our flag represents a diverse, inclusive nation, and we refuse to surrender it to those who use it to spread fear, violence, or division.

As MPs, the council and the PCC, we are committed to working together to ensure that ours is not a town where racial hatred can thrive, online or in person. We will continue to work with all community leaders, civic organisations and our constituents to ensure safety, and we will do all in our power to challenge the rise of toxic nationalism and its threat to a tolerant and democratic society in any way we can.

We must all continue to make it clear that Luton is a home to all, where anyone can belong. And together, as a town, we will celebrate the differences that make us great.

Signed,

Sarah Owen, Member of Parliament for Luton North

Rachel Hopkins, Member of Parliament for Luton South and South Bedfordshire

John Tizard, Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire

Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Borough Council