News Articles from 2006
‘The borough’s communities must stand united against terrorism’ say Council and Police
In response to the events of the last few days, which have seen details come to light of a planned but unsuccessful terrorist attack on planes leaving British airports, Kingston Council and Kingston Police have issued a joint statement.
The Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Mary Reid, said: “Thanks to their hard work and professionalism, it would appear that British officials have been successful in foiling a significant terrorist attack. Whilst the Metropolitan Police Service is playing a lead role in the ongoing investigations, the arrests made in London have been concentrated to the north of the Capital and Kingston has not been directly affected. Nevertheless, I’m sure many residents of the borough have had their holiday plans disrupted or are worried about friends and relatives who are travelling abroad.
“Kingston upon Thames is proud to be a place where communities from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds live peacefully side-by-side. At times like this, it is more important than ever that we all stand united and that no communities are singled out for blame of any sort. Terrorism is a dreadful crime against us all and it can only be defeated if the law-abiding majority work together. It is this display of togetherness that will ultimately stop people from plotting and carrying out these terrible acts.”
Angela List, Borough Commander, echoed these thoughts: “As a result of the arrests that took place last week in London and elsewhere in the United Kingdom, there will understandably be some concern amongst all of the borough’s communities.
“On behalf of The Metropolitan Police Service, and in particular those police officers and staff that work in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, I would like to take this opportunity to express our support to all community members.
“We must remember that terrorism is a serious crime against all communities. It is communities that will defeat such crime by standing together and giving intelligence to the police wherever possible.”
John Azah, Director of Kingston Racial Equality Council (KREC), added: “I’m sure I speak for all the communities of Kingston when I say that I abhor any individual who wants to take part in criminal activity that attempts to disturb the harmony that exists between people living in this country. We must all cooperate fully with the relevant agencies, especially the police and intelligence services, to fight terrorism. I am confident that the communities of Kingston upon Thames will continue to work together and events such as these will only serve to strengthen our resolve.”
The Metropolitan Police operates two 24 hour hotline numbers:
0800 028 2390 for community information
0800 789 321 confidential anti-terrorist hotline