BUSINESS GROUPS & LEADERS KEEN TO SUPPORT COHESION POST RIOTS

OPEN LETTER LETTER FROM BUSINESSES IN THE UK

As business leaders, we are writing to condemn the violence across the UK and offer our support to rebuilding and strengthening our communities.

We are distraught at the harrowing events in Southport, heartbroken at the loss of Elsie Dot Stancombe, Alice da Silva Aguiar, and Bebe King, and shocked at the racist violence in our towns and cities.

We are deeply troubled that people are scared because of their faith, race or ethnicity. To those who feel vulnerable, we stand with you, and will offer support.

We are appalled that false and inciteful information is being deliberately produced and knowingly shared online. We will work alongside the government to address disinformation and misinformation.

We are saddened that a tiny minority have threatened the safety of people, including those whose businesses have been targeted, looted, and set on fire. Yet we have been heartened by the response from the majority of peaceful law-abiding citizens. This includes the thousands who have participated in community clean ups as well as the bricklayers of Southport, who did not just repair a mosque wall, but who demonstrated how brick by brick we can come together and rebuild communities.

There will likely be more challenges ahead, but we are ready to strengthen local resilience and support efforts to create kinder, closer and more connected communities. 

Yours sincerely,