Bedford’s political leaders have praised local people and Bedfordshire Police for the way they worked together in the face of threats of possible far-right protests on Wednesday night (7 August).,
Writing to the Police and Crime Commissioner, John Tizard, Bedford MP Mohammad Yasin (Labour) said, “Time and time again, our community shows we have far more in common than that which divides us.”
Mr Yasin added, “We are often quick to critique the Police for failings but its times like this where we must also recognise and praise their efforts to keep us safe.
“I have therefore written to Police and Crime Commissioner John Tizard to thank him and all officers for their tireless work.
“I’m so pleased that none of the threats from far-right agitators came to pass last night. Thank you to the police and to all the public service workers including prosecutors and magistrates across the country who worked around the clock to keep us safe.
“And thank you to the Prime Minister and Home Secretary for ensuring that the Police had the resources and Government support they needed.”
While the protesters eventually did not turn up, Mr Yasin says communities are still apprehensive about threats from the far right.
Read: Opinion: We are Bedford and we won’t be intimidated but there’s still work to be done
“I know people are still nervous and we still can’t be certain this is over for the country and we must heal from the threat of violence. But we showed what our community is really about, he said.
“We live together in peace and harmony. And although we can’t eradicate racism overnight, we can defeat fear.
“Time and time again, our community shows we have far more in common than that which divides us, there are far more people who embrace humanity, whatever our colour, age or creed and we work together to make Bedford and Kempston great places to live.
“Hope will always defeat hate.”
Safe from harm
Meanwhile, Bedfordshire Police has thanked communities for their support, as they say they continue to work to keep the county free from disorder.
Detective Chief Superintendent Duncan Young who gave direct warnings on Wednesday to anyone thinking of coming to Bedford to create disorder said: “We’re pleased to confirm there were no reports of disorder across the county yesterday and no arrests were made.
“Although there were some groups of people congregating around the Queen’s Park area, they acted in a lawful and peaceful manner and engaged with officers throughout the evening.
“We’d like to thank all of our communities for their support of our officers out and about yesterday evening and throughout the week.
“This is a brilliant example of how the police and the public can work together to reject those who seek to cause disorder in our communities, and I hope it provides reassurance to the people of Bedfordshire that we are committed to keeping them safe from harm.
“We’ll be continuing to work hard in coming days to disrupt any other possible violent activity and I’d like to remind people that anyone who takes part in, or incites, this kind of behaviour will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.”
Additional officers were in place across Bedfordshire yesterday (Wednesday), after police received intelligence to suggest there could be a possible gathering in Bedford.
John Tizard, Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire Police (Labour), added: “Good, effective, and responsive policing is vital to ensure our safety.
“Never has this been truer or needed as much as the last few weeks whilst communities across the country have been threatened by racist criminal thuggery.
“Even when there has been no physical unrest communities, families and businesses have been made to feel anxious and threatened. This is simply wrong. Police officers have done some amazing work to keep people safe and to provide reassurance.
“We owe a huge thank you to police officers in Bedfordshire who have provided reassurance and protection to us through their actions and engagements with the public. And a thank you to all our partners and to the communities of Bedfordshire.
“Everyone in Bedfordshire wherever they live should know that Bedfordshire Police are always there for them.”
Avoid spreading rumours
Meanwhile, Tom Wootton, Mayor of Bedford Borough (Conservative) said: “We are pleased that the event in Bedford concluded peacefully and without incident.
“We continue to work closely with Bedfordshire Police and our other partners to monitor the situation and take appropriate measures to protect our residents. We are thankful to them and the community.
“The Council urges everyone to check their sources of information and to avoid spreading rumours or misinformation that could further divide our community.”
Anyone who becomes aware of any planned disorder or violence, or witnesses anyone inciting hatred, is asked to call 101 or visit beds.police.uk. If an incident is in progress please call 999.
