Challenge those who hate in Plymouth

A meeting has today taken place between Devon and Cornwall Refugee Support Council, National Asylum Seeker Service, Refugee First; The Monitoring Group, Plymouth and District Racial Equality Council, The South East Asian Society, Refugee Action, Plymouth Police and Plymouth City Council, following the series of indiscriminate bomb murders that took place in central London on Thursday 7 July 2005.

The following is a joint statement from the participants of the group;

“Plymouth, like London is a City of the world reflecting wide diversity of race, faith and culture. In common with Londoners, and faith groups nationally, the diverse communities of Plymouth wholeheartedly condemn these horrific acts.

“After such an event, people who harbour prejudices often feel that it is acceptable to behave in a racist and hateful way. We recognise this and are united in saying that it is totally unacceptable anywhere - in our places of work and in our schools; in our shops and offices; in our pubs and restaurants; and in our streets and public places. Nothing would please haters more than for anyone who is not white to be afraid to show their face in public.

“At a national level the Home Secretary has declared that the police are looking very carefully at organisations that might try and attack particular ethnic minorities. In Plymouth, everyone can make a difference. We can all help by challenging racists - interrupt when we hear them carrying on against people or worse still having a go at them to their face. Don’t underestimate the impact you can have. It is hard to describe how frightening it is to get abused in front of an audience of silent strangers”.

Whether or not you feel that you can challenge, there is something else you can do to make a difference - let us know what happened by contacting one of the following numbers

Plymouth and District Racial Equality Council (REC)
Telephone: 01752 224555

Plymouth Police
Police Emergency dial 999 (If life is threatened, people are injured, offenders are nearby, immediate action is required)
Other Calls (24 hours) 08452 777 444

The Monitoring Group (TMG)
TMG 24 hour Emergency Freephone Helpline 0800 374 618

Plymouth City Council
Telephone: 01752 668000 (7.30am - 6pm)
haveyoursay@plymouth.gov.uk

Remember that racist abuse is against the law

8 July 2005

For further comment Peter Strawbridge, Superintendent - Partnership Officer - Plymouth Police may be contacted through Force Control Room.