‘We are a strong, united city and we won’t let the haters win’

RESPONSE: Officers and elected members of Hull City Council meet residents and businesses in Spring Bank during the first of a series of visits planned across the city

By Councillor Jackie Dad, Deputy Leader of Hull City Council

On August 3rd, we saw the tale of two Hulls.

In the city centre, we saw thuggish violent disorder of the worst kind. On Humber Street, we saw thousands of joyful people celebrate Humber Street Sesh with each other. One happens yearly, the other is a once-in-a-generation horror.

In the aftermath of that horror, we saw hope. Hope as hundreds of people in their communities gathered together, regardless of their politics or values, to clean up the city they know and love. While the council had done such a phenomenal job of clearing up the wreckage, people coming out to show their solidarity was heart-warming.

Now, it is time to reflect on the past and move forward.

I have had the pleasure of visiting dozens of council staff on the front line that day, speaking to people across the city's communities and listening to their concerns. But that's only the start, more visibility from us is planned.

I can say hand on heart the council staff working that day is nothing short of the very best of Hull. From Events to Civic, to Streetscene to Transport and everywhere in between, their service to the city, the residents and the council is so appreciated and important.

But, let's not skirt around this issue, the hateful events on August 3rd have left a scar on many communities. We, as a council administration, are committed to listening to, supporting, and standing alongside all of Hull’s diverse communities to tackle racism, Islamophobia and all forms of hate.

MESSAGE: Councillor Jackie Dad

We are now supporting a huge community safety effort, we are working with the police in bringing to justice those responsible for the criminality on our streets. Anyone who has taken part will live to regret the actions that have threatened the peace and safety of our residents.

Hull is the city of William Wilberforce and the abolition of slavery, a city that stood up to fascism during the Second World War and a City of Sanctuary.

Together, we will ensure that those who seek to destroy our community do not win. We are a strong and united city and nothing will ever break that spirit.