(Sunderland Central) (Lab):
My constituents were appalled by the criminal disorder that we
saw on our streets at the start of August, which was in no way
representative of our city. The contrast between thugs who
preferred destruction and the decent law-abiding majority was
clear in our community's response—be it Northumbria
police officers standing up and protecting our
communities in the face of attacks; the hundreds of residents of
every race and religion turning up the day after to sweep away
not just the shards of glass, but the shards of hatred that had
been sown the night before; or the Sunderland citizens advice
bureau refusing to let the arson attack prevent it from providing
services. Will the Home Secretary join me in praising the
response of the people of Sunderland and of similar communities
across the country, and does she agree that we should build upon
their example as we look to strengthen community cohesion in the
future?
The Secretary of State for the Home Department (): My hon. Friend is exactly
right. He speaks strongly for the people of Sunderland, who came
together. Volunteers ensured that the citizens advice bureau
could keep working to support local people who are vulnerable and
need advice and help. They have worked with the police and local
communities, and they speak not just for Sunderland but for the
whole of Britain.
