Councillor Bella Sankey, leader of Brighton & Hove City Council, has shared her thoughts on the impact of the violence in the country and the “collective effort to keep communities safe”.
Councillor Sankey said: “We are aware of growing public concern following the recent criminal disorder seen across the country, the unverified reports circulating about potential activity in the city and unsolicited leaflets being shared in some areas.
“I would like to reassure residents and visitors that the council is working closely with Sussex Police and other partners to identify any emerging concerns, and keep our residents, staff, community partners and businesses safe.
“We recognise the impact this unrest is causing to the lives of many people and that we are not all experiencing it in the same way, disproportionately harming our Black, Migrant and Muslim communities.
“Brighton & Hove will always be a place which prides itself on our inclusivity and being a place of sanctuary. Sussex Police will come down hard on anyone taking part in the type of disorder we have seen elsewhere in the country. Racism and violent thuggery have no place in our city.
“We will update residents further on any impact this may have on our local services, but in the meantime, I would like to encourage people to keep an eye on information from Sussex Police, stay vigilant and report any concerns or instances of hate crime to them by calling either 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
Hundreds of protesters are expected to assemble in Brighton today amid online reports of a planned riot targeting a firm of immigration lawyers.
Businesses close to the firm, at a central location are planning to close early to avoid trouble.
