West Berkshire Council leader Jeff Brooks issues statement following far-right rioting

THE leader of West Berkshire Council has issued a statement in the wake of recent, violent unrest in parts of the nation.

Jeff Brooks (Lib Dem, Thatcham West) spoke out about the rioting triggered by online misinformation following the murder of three girls in Southport.

He said: “I am pleased to see that the disruption across the country may be abating.

“In West Berkshire, we remain absolutely committed to helping keep all our residents safe and able to go about their lives without fear.

“We are in regular contact with the police and other emergency services to ensure that we stand ready to assist anybody affected by any disturbances and we will remain vigilant.

“I want to provide reassurance to our Muslim and minority ethnic communities which are feeling particularly vulnerable at this time and hope that everybody in Newbury and the wider district feels safe to go out and carry on as normal and we encourage you all to do so.”