Following the attack at Westminster yesterday the council’s community cohesion members’ group has released the following statement:

“We, along with our residents, stand with the world today in condemning the horrendous attack in London.

“This was cold-blooded murder of innocent people going about their daily business; there is no justification, no explanation that excuses such horror.

“Slough, with all its races and religions, stands together, united in abhorrence at this unprovoked violence, the taking of innocent lives and slaying of the people who stand and protect us.

“If this act was indeed inspired by international terrorism, we add our voices to those around the world; terrorists do not represent us, this does not represent any faith, no religion sanctions acts of evil.

“Our thoughts are with the victims, their families and friends, the police family who lost one of their own and the emergency services who daily put themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

“We ask Slough residents to come together and support each other, stand together, united against those who would try and divide us, united in our belief in freedom, community and peace.”

The community cohesion group was set up in 2014 to encourage even more community cohesion in the town.

The cross-party, multi-faith group is made up of: Councillor Mohammed Sharif, Councillor Sohail Munawar, Councillor Madhuri Bedi, Councillor Wal Chahal, Councillor Preston Brooker, Councillor Nora Holledge, Councillor Ishrat Shah and Councillor Joginder Bal.