Edinburgh is stronger than hate
A statement from the four Scottish Green MSPs that represent Edinburgh: Lorna Slater, Kate Nevens, Q Manivannan and Kayleigh Kinross-O'Neill.
“The attacks in Edinburgh were horrific, and our thoughts are with those who have been injured and their loved ones. We thank the emergency services for their quick response to this act of violence and for their engagement over this weekend.
“Many people across our city will be feeling shocked and frightened. Our Muslim communities in particular will be feeling a lot of anxiety and hurt. Our hearts and solidarity are with them, and with everyone who has been made to feel less safe.
“Nobody should be attacked because of who they are, the colour of their skin, or the faith they follow. Edinburgh is a proudly welcoming and diverse city, shaped by people of different backgrounds, faiths and cultures, and it always will be. The kindness and joy we saw only yesterday at Pride was a reflection of that.
“Attacks like this do not happen in isolation. They are the result of hatred being allowed to spread and take root.
“The video of the attacker’s arrest is chilling. The words he shouts are the same hateful tropes that have been circulated online, appeared in parts of our media, and increasingly found their way into political debate. It is a hatred that has been whipped up and amplified by algorithms and by powerful voices.
“We all have a responsibility not just to reject it but to challenge it wherever we encounter it.
“Those responsible for spreading such hatred want to turn our communities against each other and force people to live in fear. We cannot allow that to happen.
“Edinburgh is stronger than hate. We will stand together as a community, united against those who seek to spread fear and division.”
“We urge the Scottish Government to prioritise engaging with communities of colour, Muslim communities and migrant communities in Edinburgh to determine what additional support and protection measures need to be put in place.”