Standing together for unity and respect

As Leader of the Council, I’m proud to represent Sutton known for its strong sense of community and shared values. Sutton is an inclusive place, where everyone is welcome.  We are a community that stands firmly against all forms of racism, hate, intimidation, and harassment. 

This message is particularly pertinent as we come to the end of National Hate Crime Awareness Week. This is a time to reflect on the damaging impacts of prejudice and to stand in solidarity with all those affected by hate crime. 

The recent horrific events elsewhere in the country serve as a stark reminder of why it is so important to stand up against hate and to make sure we keep talking as a community. The terrorist attack on the Synagogue in Manchester and the appalling arson attack on the Mosque in Peacehaven are shocking acts of hatred that have no place in our society. My thoughts continue to be with the victims and their families, and we stand in solidarity with our Jewish and Muslim communities here in Sutton. An attack on one faith is an attack on us all.

To ensure we continue to talk and listen, our community safety team has been engaging with residents across Sutton this week, discussing what constitutes a hate crime, how to report it, and listening to residents' concerns.

I was also pleased to attend Sutton’s Community Crime Fighting event last week with the Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley. It was a valuable opportunity to discuss what actions the police and public service providers, including the Council, must continue to take to ensure our residents continue to feel safe in their neighbourhoods and communities. 

The Safer Sutton Partnership, made up of the Council, Probation Service, NHS, London Fire Brigade and the Met Police is focused on that very mission - keeping Sutton safe and promoting community cohesion and resilience. Their latest report outlines the actions we will take. Read the full report. 

Sutton is a diverse, welcoming and inclusive place where everyone should feel safe, valued and proud to belong - but we cannot do this alone. Working together with the help of residents, communities and our partners, we can continue to make sure Suttron remains that way.