Bishop’s Stortford MP Josh Dean condemns ‘hooligans, thugs and extremist groups’ taking part in disorder

Bishop’s Stortford’s MP has offered support to constituents affected by the civil unrest spreading across cities and towns in England and Northern Ireland.

Labour’s Josh Dean issued a statement on Tuesday night (August 6) condemning the actions of “hooligans, thugs and extremist groups” and pledging his support for the police and Crown Prosecution Service in bringing offenders to justice.

He told the Indie he was being briefed by East Herts police today (Wednesday) and his office had contacted representatives of his Hertford and Stortford constituency’s Muslim communities.

As constabularies across the country prepare for the possibility of more disturbances today, Mr Dean said: “I will be raising the importance of community cohesion with local government leaders as I meet with them in the coming days.”

The disorder erupted in cities mainly in the North and Midlands after the fatal stabbing of three girls aged 6, 7 and 9 in Southport on Monday July 29. The unrest has been fuelled by false information about their alleged murderer.

In his formal statement, Mr Dean said: ”I know that residents in Hertford and Stortford will be appalled by the scenes of mindless violence and racism across the country.

“I utterly condemn the shameful actions of hooligans, thugs and extremist groups incited by the far right. The police and the Crown Prosecution Service have my support as they bring the full force of the law to bear on those involved.

“Thankfully we have not seen any disorder in Hertford and Stortford. I am actively engaging with East Herts police to ensure that this remains the case and that our residents are kept safe.

“Likewise, I will be discussing this with the Hertfordshire Police and Crime Commissioner [Jonathan Ash-Edwards] when we meet in the coming weeks.

“Many of our residents, particularly those in the Muslim community and ethnic minorities, will be feeling deeply distressed. I have reached out to representatives of the Muslim community in our local area to offer my support and I hope to meet with them as soon as possible. Anyone can contact my office for support by emailing josh.dean.mp@parliament.uk.

“Anyone with information on possible disorder or fears for their safety should contact police in the first instance, dialling 999 in an emergency.”