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Open letter from Banbury’s MP as unrest continues across country
07/08/2024
“What we have seen is shocking, inexcusable and has no place in our society”
Banbury’s MP has written an open letter to his constituents in the face of widespread unrest in parts of the country and ahead of a potential planned protest in Oxford later.
Sean Woodcock condemns the “far-right thugs” who he says used last week’s murder of three young girls in Stockport to justify violence, theft and destruction, claiming it as a legitimate protest.
Mr Woodcock says that many constituents have contacted him to express their horror at what they have witnessed.
During the last week Mr Woodcock, who was elected just under five weeks ago, has worked with the Home Office, police, councillors and local community groups to reassure and support those communities feeling scared and vulnerable due to the current situation.
He reiterated the government position of coming down hard on all those participating in illegal activities.
Mr Woodcock concluded expressing gratitude to those working to keep people safe: “Thank you to everyone working hard to keep our community safe, to those who work for the police, to those at work in our community providing support, advice and facts to others at a time when disinformation and fake news are weaponised to agitate people against each other.
“I know that the vast majority of this community is appalled by the division, sectarianism and mob rule we have seen over recent days.”
Statements have also been released by the Deputy Leader and Chairman of Cherwell District Council ahead of a number of protests planned for this evening.
Thames Valley Police have put in place plans for a potential protest in Oxford.
Writing on social media yesterday they said: “Thames Valley Police is aware of a potential planned protest in Oxford tomorrow. We have a plan in place for this to deal with any issues that may arise.
“Should this planned protest escalate into violent disorder seen elsewhere in the country, officers will swiftly respond and deal with those choosing to cause harm to our communities.
“It is likely you will see officers patrolling in the area as we work together with partners and local businesses to monitor the situation and keep our communities safe.”
Here’s the full text of Sean Woodock’s letter to Banbury constituents:
Dear Residents of Banbury Constituency,
Last week, three young girls, Bebe, Elise, and Alice were murdered in a horrific attack in Southport at the start of the school holidays. Our hearts remain with them, their loved ones and their community.
Over the past week, far-right thugs, have sought to use this attack to justify violence, theft and destruction, claiming it as legitimate protest – it is not.
What we have seen is shocking, inexcusable and has no place in our society.
Attacking our communities, businesses and vital community infrastructure, including places of support for the most vulnerable in our society, is abhorrent and indefensible.
We have seen people targeted for the colour of their skin and/ or their faith- clear racism and Islamophobia.
Many constituents have been in touch to express their horror at what they have witnessed on their television screens. It has been heartening to read such support for each other across our community.
I have spent the past week working with colleagues from the Home Office, the police, councillors and local community groups to reassure and support communities feeling scared and vulnerable. I will continue to do so.
The Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have been very clear that those choosing to be part of criminal activity will face the consequences of their actions, they have also rightfully put in place a programme of support for law enforcement and communities to combat the hate and criminality we are witnessing.
Thank you to everyone working hard to keep our community safe, to those who work for the police, to those at work in our community providing support, advice and facts to others at a time when disinformation and fake news are weaponised to agitate people against each other.
I know that the vast majority of this community is appalled by the division, sectarianism and mob rule we have seen over recent days.
And I am proud to serve you.
Thank you,
Sean Woodcock
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam
Sarah Davidson On 07/08/2024 at 1:57 pm
I live near Banbury, walk through the town center every week. The has been a sudden sharp rise in immigrants from every place on the planet. I don’t understand how you can do this without acknowledging the effects on the exisiting population. If we have to respect and protect communities and cultures, why is the government pushing so hard to eradicate ours. I’m so tired, so tired of waking up with my heart tearing in half, wondering what the government will do next to further eradicate us. We were a people. It’s so painful, it hurts too much.