I write to give my personal and The Pioneer Groups wholehearted support to the following message from Birmingham Social Housing Partnership (BSHP).

BSHP members would like to express our sadness and disgust at the scenes we have witnessed over the weekend. Whilst freedom of speech and protest is a fundamental right, these protests have become far from protesting. Setting on fire and attempting to destroy buildings that support the community, like Citizen Advice Bureau Offices, libraries and local businesses is not protest, it is thuggery. Attacking refuges for people’s faith, isn’t protest, its fascism. Setting light to hotels and trying to block the exits isn’t protest, it’s attempted murder.

The horrendous scenes around the country do not portray the feelings of the population we work with, and the fear and hate being generated is to no one’s benefit. We condemn all of those creating and publicising these events and support the agencies seeking to tackle it and keep law and order.

All members of our communities deserve to feel safe and secure in their home and able to walk down the street without being harassed. 

BSHP stand with those attacked and distressed by the attacks and the emergency services having to face these people in trying to bring calm, closure, resolution, peace and unity.

Thank you to all our colleagues in the sector, your solidarity and commitment keep us moving forward in challenging times.

On a personal note I also add my heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Alice, Bebe and Elsie murdered in Southport. We should not let that tragedy be drowned out by the far right and their agenda. I grew up near Southport and still have family and friends in that community. The hateful actions of the minority has only added to the grief and pain of that community.