On 29 July 2024, three young girls aged 6,7 and 9 died from injuries sustained during a knife attack at a summer dance class in Southport. A 17-year-old has been charged with their murders.
This incident shocked the nation causing an outcry which ended in members of the far right using the knife attack to protest in many cities across the nation citing their dissatisfaction on immigration and other policies. Protests quickly turned into riots and racial and religious attacks mainly against Muslims. It is believed that false information on social media fueled hatred and galvanized far right supporters to riot and attack innocent people. Violence also occurred in some parts of London.
Statements
Synergy Network (a member of the Multi Faith Network, MFN) was invited by the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) to make a statement in support of a call for the Mayor of London to take action regarding religious and racial attacks of violence:
Synergy Network deplore all acts of violence and racial hatred against any individual in our communities. As a Christian based charity/organisation we stand on biblical teachings to ‘love one another and to love our enemies’. This means we show love and kindness to all regardless of faith, creed, or race. Synergy Network condemns all acts of violence against any religious or racial group. We acknowledge the positive contributions these groups have made in our society making our communities a rich and multi-cultural environment where the majority of people live together in harmony as law abiding citizens. Synergy Network supports any robust and fair action that our government decides to take to address the appalling violent behaviour of acts of racial abuse and unacceptable abusive behaviour towards our law enforcement officers that we have seen on our streets in recent days.
The Multi Faith Network (MFN) also made a joint statement:
The horrific scenes of rioting and violence that have taken place across sections of the country over this past week have been shocking, with the far-right amplifying community tensions, mainly via spreading misinformation online.
The Multi Faith Network, set up by London’s Violence Reduction Unit, unanimously agrees that there is simply no place in our society for the violence, racism and Islamophobia we have witnessed.
As a Multi Faith Network, focused on using faith as a foundation for reducing violence across London, we stand united in emphasising a message of hope and peace.
In London, we are united against hatred, we are proud of London’s diversly rich communities, filled with a variety of faiths living side by side. Unity and acceptance of difference is woven deeply into the fabric of our great city.
We are ready and willing to offer support and care to any, from any community or background, who have been affected or feel scared by what is happening.
The Multi Faith Network will continue to work with communities across London, bringing all faiths together, ensuring there is zero tolerance for hatred and racism.
We are committed to working together to build a better and stronger city where everyone can be safe and supported.