Greater Manchester leaders send strong message of unity

We must continue to stand strong in the true spirit of Greater Manchester – that’s the message from civic, health and emergency services leaders across the city-region.

Mayor Andy Burnham, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime Beverley Hughes and the leaders of the ten local authorities have met with Chief Constable Ian Hopkins to set out what needs to done over the coming weeks and months to ensure the best possible support is given to all those affected by the Manchester attack, and that our communities are supported as they continue to stand together.

Building on the close partnership working of the last few days, all agencies are committed to taking a strong and united approach as we begin to recover from the Monday’s attack. Mayor Andy Burnham has also made clear Greater Manchester’s zero tolerance approach to extremism, urging communities to continue to work with the police and report any concerns.

Mayor Burnham said: “We are a city in grief and also a city of solidarity. In the face of such horror and tragedy Greater Mancunians have stood united and shown the world that we are a city of compassion, strength and tolerance. It is these values that we must hold on to over the next days, weeks and months, and refuse to allow terrorists and extremists to divide and turn communities against one another.

“I also call on our communities to continue to work with police and report any suspicious activity and extremist material. Greater Manchester’s leaders take a zero tolerance approach to extremism and will not condone any form of hatred. Please help us in this fight by being vigilant, speaking out and promoting tolerance and cohesion.”

Report any concerns about possible terrorist activity to the anti-terrorist hotline 0800 789 321 or call 999.

You can report hate crime to police by calling 101, or visit:

letsendhatecrime.com