Cllr Richard Watts’, Leader of Islington Council, statement on the terrorist attack in Finsbury Park –
It is with sadness that I write this statement today, following the dreadful events in Finsbury Park in the early hours of this morning.
Sadness for the senseless loss of life, and sadness that I am called to send this message so soon after other recent tragic events in London and Manchester.
The heartfelt thoughts of everyone at Islington Council are with the family and friends of those affected by the dreadful events in Finsbury Park.
From the early hours of the morning I was with Jeremy Corbyn MP and others on the scene, offering any support we could to the community. I was proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with community leaders, Emily Thornberry MP, Mayor Sadiq Khan and others at Muslim Welfare House later in the day to speak with residents.
I will be even prouder to join our community in sharing in the Neighbourhood Iftar Dinner tonight at Muslim Welfare House, as we come together to celebrate breaking the fast in the month of Ramadan.
We have also been working closely with the emergency services overnight and throughout the day to support those affected by this dreadful attack.
This terrorist attack seeks to divide us and sow hatred. Finsbury Park, like the rest of Islington, is a diverse and open community and our mosques are a vital part of that community.
We stand in solidarity with the Muslim community and will continue to work together and support each other.
Islington is a vibrant and unified borough – this is our community, and we will not be divided by any terrorist.
Pictured – Cllr Richard Watts