Andy Burnham visits Rochdale Central Mosque after Westminster attack

Andy Burnham at Rochdale Central Mosque

Andy Burnham MP, Labour Greater Manchester Mayoral candidate, visited Central Mosque on Friday (24 March) following the attack on Westminster on 22 March.

Mr Burnham said: "I enjoyed my visit to the Central Mosque and my discussion with many of its members. After a difficult week for everyone, we talked about our shared determination not to let criminals and extremists divide us.

“The perpetrator of the attack in London in no way represents the peaceful religion of Islam and there was general agreement that this fact needs to be made much more forcefully by our national media.

“I am grateful to Councillor Aasim Rashid for organising this important visit and have committed to maintaining an on-going dialogue with the community."

Castleton Councillor Aasim Rashid said: “Greater Manchester is a gold mine of multicultural society. Islam is a religion of peace, harmony and solidarity. We are united as one against hate, division and violence. These fanatics have no religion.”

Hafiz Malik, head of Central Mosque, did not respond to an invitation to comment.