Statements issued standing against hate

The Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Jon Orrell, has issued a statement echoing the sentiments of Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council made earlier today.

Cllr Orrell said: “”We support the work of the police as they bravely work for us to protect the public, to bring justice, and to keep the peace. And I have written to Dorset Police to express my heartfelt thanks to officers who contained the protest in Weymouth on Sunday afternoon.

“They acted in a professional and proportionate manner, stepping up to match surges without causing unnecessary confrontation. Weymouth escaped the inexcusable behaviour seen in other towns and cities thanks to the actions of the police.

“I would also like to thank Dorset Council who gave us a great deal of support in the run up and during Sunday’s event; a good example of true partnership working across local government.

“We must come together to embrace diversity in our communities, and I stand united with fellow Councillors, community and faith leaders in our continued desire for peace and justice.”

Cllr Nick Ireland, Leader of Dorset Council, said: “Following the disturbances that have been taking place up and down the country, including the protests in Weymouth on Sunday, we deplore the acts of racism and hatred that have unfolded. They are a stark reminder of the work still needed to push bigotry out of our society forever.

“We want Dorset to continue to be a place that celebrates and welcomes people from all walks of life, both those who live here, and those who visit our beautiful county. We are proud of the diversity of our communities, bringing together many different cultures, traditions, and histories. It is this diversity that makes us stronger, more resilient, and more vibrant.

“We would like to express our thanks to the police officers and other emergency services, including those from Dorset, who have supported communities across the country in dealing with these terrifying scenes. In Dorset in particular, thank you to everyone involved, from many organisations, to ensure the safety of our residents over the past week and especially during the protests here on Sunday.

“We have stood together to protect and support one another before, none more so than during the COVID-19 pandemic when communities united, and we must continue to do so.

“In these difficult times, we must renew our commitment to stand together against hate. We must support each other and continue to build a community where every individual, regardless of their background, can feel valued and respected. We must make sure that Dorset remains a place of peace, hope, tolerance and unity.

“We do not accept any form of bigotry in Dorset. Our communities thrive on mutual respect, understanding, and inclusivity. It is these shared values that bind us together.

“We are committed to ensuring a safe and supportive environment, where everyone can live without fear of discrimination or violence. It is imperative that all hate crime is reported. Advice on what to look out for and how to report is available on the Dorset Police website at www.dorset.police.uk/hatecrime.”

“We want to take this opportunity to reflect, that in an extremely rare sequence of events, three little girls lost their lives. We believe, above all else, that children deserve a world that is kind and hopeful.”

ENDS