Adam Dance MP for Yeovil Responds to the Riots Across the Country

In response to the protests currently taking place across the country and those being proposed for Yeovil over the next couple of weeks, Adam Dance MP said;

"First I would like to start by saying that I am shocked and saddened by the senseless murder of the three young girls at the dance class in Southport. The attack - which also injured ten others, is a terrible tragedy. My thoughts are with all of their family and friends, and the whole community of Southport.

"However, the appalling scenes that we have seen since the attack have not only saddened me, they have made me angry. To vandalise, threaten, loot and cause violent disorder against asylum seekers, our Muslim communities, and business owners is completely unacceptable.

"The country has rightly been outraged at the despicable actions of a tiny minority. All those thugs who have rioted and carried out racist attacks must face the full force of the law.  Everyone has the right to feel safe in their homes, communities and places of worship.

"We welcome the actions taken by our brave police officers and the new measures announced by the government to clamp down on criminals attempting to terrorise our communities. Social media firms must also be held to account for their responsibility to combat misinformation and incitement to violence on their platforms.

"My colleague, the Liberal Democrat Women and Equalities Spokesperson, Christine Jardine MP has also written to the Government Equalities Office, to express her concerns about the surge in Islamophobic violence since the Southport attack, and urged the Government to appoint an Independent Advisor on Islamophobia.

"People from all backgrounds and walks of life have come together to condemn these riots and clean up the damage. It is they who truly represent Britain, not the rioters and those who have incited them. The Liberal Democrats will always work in the national interest to protect our communities.

"Regarding the situation in Yeovil, I have spoken with the local police who are well aware of the plans for similar 'protests' in Yeovil. The police are monitoring the situation closely and will be in attendance as necessary to safeguard our community. I am also monitoring what is being planned.  I urge all those considering attending these so-called protests to reconsider and think carefully about the consequences not only for themselves but for their friends, families and community."