‘Why I’m supporting #WeStandTogether’
GMP CHIEF CONSTABLE IAN HOPKINS ON WHY HE’S BACKING CAMPAIGN
“THE barbaric murder of innocent people in the attack on Manchester Arena on May 22 was a defining moment for our city.
“People were shocked and angry, but they also showed great defiance and hope for the future as tens of thousands stood shoulder to shoulder in Albert Square less than 24 hours after the incident.
“It is the defiance and hope that we showed in those days after the attack that we need to build on for the future and to ensure that anger does not turn to hatred.
“Our city prides itself on its diversity and how this diversity has helped make Manchester a world city. We cannot ignore that not everyone can forgive and not allow their anger to turn to hatred.
“Far too often we see individuals being targeted because of who they are: gay, lesbian, disabled, Muslim, Jewish, Asian, Black or alternative subculture.
“The hate comes in many forms from verbal abuse and hateful messages in graffiti, through to criminal assaults and damage.
“Most people living and working in Greater Manchester will never experience this kind of abuse or hatred.
“I am sure many will be appalled that it even happens, but it does. It is time for the many to stand up to the few and help to stamp out hatred in our city for ever.
“We all need to learn more about each other and to be more tolerant of our differences, because it is those differences that make us stronger together.
“This isn’t about one community or religious group speaking to another it is more than that. It is about us understanding and respecting each other.
“Greater Manchester Police is joining with the Manchester Evening News to support the We Stand Together campaign in conjunction with the Tim Parry Johnathan Ball Foundation for Peace in Warrington.
“We need to start that process of understanding and respecting each other and I hope this campaign can make that happen.
“Our young people have been affected by events this year and they have to be at the heart of building a better future.
“We can all support a drive to encourage and celebrate acts of kindness that can bring people together.
“Together we can continue to tackle hate crime and ensure it has no place in our communities.
“History teaches us many lessons. Let’s learn from what we’ve been through as a City this year. Let’s build on that hope and defiance to create a better, more peaceful and more tolerant society for everyone. #WeStandTogether.”