MP TOM Collins is calling for unity amid concerns Worcester is being attacked by an “agenda of division”.
The Worcester MP said he had been contacted by residents who feel the warm and welcoming city they once knew is under threat.
There have been incidents of flag fixing – which has seen St George’s flags provocatively attached to lampposts – antisemitic vandalism and extremist graffiti, and contentious protests across the city, which Mr Collins says has left people no longer feeling safe, and this is “utterly unacceptable”.
He told the Observer: “To all those Worcester residents who are feeling isolated and targeted by recent events, let me be clear – you belong here, this is your city as much as it is anyone else’s, you are welcome here and we stand by you.
“I am horrified by the recent incident of extremist and antisemitic vandalism. This has no place in our city or anywhere. We wholeheartedly and absolutely reject it.
“This is a time for each and every one of us to put the experiences of all our neighbours in the city first. We are in a fight for unity, against a subversive attempt to betray our community and seed division.”
Mr Collins continued that the UK as a whole was facing a situation where some political players have engaged in a race to the bottom in fuelling fear, hatred and anger.
He said: “A range of bad actors, who do not have any of our interests at heart, have generated a world of social media and alternative news content designed to cause anxiety and rage. It is making people sick, and it threatens to pull our communities apart.
“I would urge everyone participating in flag fixing, protests or other political statements to be responsible, to reflect on their motives and the effect their actions are having on other residents of the city.
“If your actions are to promote love and respect, then think about whether they are having that effect. If your aim is to create division or to alienate anyone else in Worcester, then your actions have no place in our city.”
Mr Collins added: “Now is the time for every single one of us to fight for unity – rejecting fear and lies, recognising attempts to subvert our community and divide us, and showing true love and respect for every other person who shares our city.”
