Britain Stands Together: Communities Across the UK Mark National Day of Solidarity and Mourning
London, Thursday 9 October, 00:01 – Communities across the UK will today mark a national day of unity and reflection following last week’s attack at the Heaton Park Synagogue in Manchester.
The day – organised by the /together Coalition with partners including the Church of England, the Scouts, Hope not Hate, the Women’s Institute and the British Muslim Network – will bring people together to mourn, to stand in solidarity with Britain’s Jewish community, and to reject hate in all its forms.
Events are taking place in towns and cities across the country – from Manchester and London to Peterborough and Maidenhead – with churches, mosques, synagogues, schools and community groups each holding moments of silence, shared prayers and candle-light vigils.
This day comes amid rising antisemitism and increasing concern about anti-Muslim hatred, following an arson attack on a mosque last weekend.
Minister for Devolution, Faith and Communities, Miatta Fahnbulleh, said:
“Thursday’s day of reflection is an important opportunity for communities across the UK to stand with the Jewish community following last week’s appalling attack in Manchester.
“Moments like this remind us of our shared responsibility to uphold the values of respect, tolerance and freedom of worship that define our country.
“At a time when antisemitism and other forms of hate are causing real fear and anxiety, it matters that we come together to show that compassion, understanding and unity remain the strongest threads in our national fabric.”
Brendan Cox, Co-Founder of the /Together Coalition, said:
“An attack on one community is an attack on all of us. The Jewish community has been targeted in the cruellest way, at a time of deep reflection and prayer, and in the context of rising antisemitism across the UK. But this week’s response will show that Britain’s answer to hate is unity, compassion and courage – the values that bind us even in the darkest moments.”
Across the country, faith groups, schools, youth movements and local councils are also marking the moment with their own acts of remembrance and solidarity.
Members of the public are encouraged to share messages of unity using #BritainStandsTogether.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The campaign was organised by the /Together Coalition. /Together is one of the biggest and most diverse coalitions ever assembled in the UK, dedicated to bridging divides in our country, and building communities that are kinder, closer and more connected.
Our coalition is made up of more than 400 organisations across civil society and business, with a high-level steering group including representation from organisations as diverse as the NHS and the armed services, BBC to TikTok, Scouting to Girlguiding, the Football Association to the CBI as well as many grassroots organisations.
We mobilise this coalition to take joint action towards strengthening communities, including creating and leading mass participation campaigns to create opportunities for social connection, including The Big Help Out and most recently, the VE Day 80th anniversary celebrations.
Together also leads cross-sectoral efforts to track risks to social cohesion, regularly convening briefings with civil society, industry and government partners; and serves as the Secretariat to the Independent Commission on Community and Cohesion co-chaired by former Labour Policy Coordinator Jon Cruddas, and former Home Secretary Sajid Javid.
Additional quotes available for use on request:
- Imam Qari Asim, Co-Chair, British Muslim Network
- Rt Revd Dr Toby Howarth, Bishop of Bradford
- Matthew McGregor, CEO, 38 Degrees
- Melissa Green, Chief Executive, National Federation of Women’s Institutes
- Revd Steve Chalke, Founder, Oasis Charitable Trust
- Carrie Alderton, Interim CEO, Faith and Belief Forum
For media enquiries or access to spokespeople please contact:
Alice Humphreys – [email protected] ; 07708310112