21st November 2023

Dear Cllr Andreas Kirsch,

We write to you in good faith following a motion passed by our CLP last week.

We wish to propose practical measures to foster stronger collaboration, bringing safety and unity to our community, and addressing the tensions and divisive rhetoric that have been building up overtime.

We welcome the announcement from the Mayor of London, regarding funding for ‘The Community Alliance to Combat Hate’ to help support victims of hate crime and promote community cohesion.

We also acknowledge that the devastating conflict in the Middle East is causing distress to many individuals in our community, regardless of their religious beliefs or lack thereof. We firmly believe that the core principles of all faiths, as well as those who do not adhere to any faith, prioritise the protection and preservation of all human life and promote kindness and compassion.

We can see evidence in local groups on social media platforms, and from the accounts of residents who have experienced discrimination and intolerance in the wake of the crisis, that divisions are escalating further. Many local people are also feeling grief, fear and deep sadness.

We are proposing urgent action to support the safety and wellbeing of residents:

1. Establish an Inclusion and Tension Monitoring Group to be responsible for monitoring and addressing any tensions or conflicts arising within our communities, involving the police, community groups, and other key stakeholders and forums.

2. Provide a formal platform for addressing community division to work together to promote inclusivity, understanding, and peaceful coexistence among all residents. This will build on the good work of the Kingston Faith and Belief Forum, Kingston Race and Equalities Council’s (KREC) and other groups, with a focus on the current climate and casting a wider net to support this work.

3. Empower community groups and their representatives, by providing them with the necessary resources and support, so we can enable them to advocate for unity and peace within their respective communities.

4. Allocate / identify additional funding for VCSE and health services to support the mental health needs of people in Kingston impacted by the conflict.

5. We recognise the importance of our diverse groups working together to unite our communities. Kingston and Surbiton Labour Party is open to being approached to collaborate on / support a motion at full Council that addresses these issues.

On behalf of the members of Kingston and Surbiton Labour Party, we hope to be able to discuss this with you and your colleagues further.

Yours sincerely,

Kezia Coleman

Chair,

Kingston & Surbiton Labour Party