§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on his meeting with Muslim and Hindu community leaders on 10 December.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMy right hon. and learned Friend the Home Secretary and I welcomed the opportunity to listen to the concerns of both communities and were greatly encouraged that the community leaders were able to agree the following joint statement
Recent events in the Indian sub-continent are a cause of deep concern to many people in Britain and touch profound religious feelings.In Britain, Hindus and Muslims have lived peacefully together for many years. We are appalled that some people are evidently using the troubles elsewhere as an excuse for attacks on places of worship, businesses and individuals in this country.We utterly condemn the use of violence where it occurs.We appeal now to everyone in our communities to continue to show the utmost restraint, to resist any suggestion of retaliation, and to co-operate fully with the police and other authorities.Restoring calm between our communities is in the best interests of every Hindu and Muslim in Britain.Close contact is being maintained with both communities, and on 16 December I visited the west midlands to talk to members of the local communities and to hear a police assessment of recent events in the area.