Greater Manchester’s leaders send strong message of unity

Mayor Andy Burnham, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Beverley Hughes and the leaders of the ten local authorities have met with Chief Constable Ian Hopkins to set out what needs to done over the coming weeks and months to ensure the best possible support is given to all those affected by the Manchester attack, and that our communities are supported as they continue to stand together.

Building on the close partnership working of the last few days, all agencies are committed to taking a strong and united approach as we begin to recover from the Monday’s attack. Mayor Andy Burnham has also made clear Greater Manchester’s zero tolerance approach to extremism, urging communities to continue to work with the police and report any concerns.

Mayor Andy Burnham said: “We are a city in grief and also a city of solidarity. In the face of such horror and tragedy Greater Mancunians have stood united and shown the world that we are a city of compassion, strength and tolerance. It is these values that we must hold on to over the next days, weeks and months, and refuse to allow terrorists and extremists to divide and turn communities against one another.

“I also call on our communities to continue to work with police and report any suspicious activity and extremist material. Greater Manchester’s leaders take a zero tolerance approach to extremism and will not condone any form of hatred. Please help us in this fight by being vigilant, speaking out and promoting tolerance and cohesion.”

Cllr Rishi Shori, Leader of Bury Council and GMCA Lead for Young People and Social Cohesion, said: “Manchester has faced its darkest moment this week and our thoughts are with the families of those who have lost loved ones, the families of those injured and in hospital and all those directly affected by Monday’s horrific attack.

“In the face of this terrible tragedy, the Greater Mancunian spirit of unity, respect and compassion has shone brighter than ever. We need to harness that spirit, strengthen the bonds that thread throughout our city-region and make sure that the needs of families and young people directly affected by the attack are absolutely central to everything we do.”

Cllr Jean Stretton, Leader of Oldham Council and GMCA Lead for Fairness, Equality and Inclusion, said: “I am extremely proud of the way Greater Manchester has stood strong, defiant and united in the face of such a horrific and unimaginable attack on our young people and their families. As we begin to recover and support those who have been directly affected by the attack, it’s vital we continue to bring our communities together and support each other through the next days, weeks and months.

“Greater Manchester’s leaders are committed to working together – closer than we ever have before – to promote social cohesion, tolerance and respect throughout all our communities, sending a strong message that we are a city-region united.”

Report any concerns about possible terrorist activity to the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321 or call 999. 

You can report hate crime to police by calling 101, or visit letsendhatecrime.com.

If you have been affected by the terror attack at Manchester Arena, free help and support is available. Victim Support is a national charity providing immediate emotional and practical support to both victims and witnesses of the Manchester attack. The service is for people of all ages, and support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact Victim Support on 0808 168 9111.