Dear Rob,

We are seriously concerned regarding the recent communal violence that occurred in Belgrave and other parts of the City, following the India vs Pakistan cricket match on Sunday 30th August 2022. There was further violence which broke out on Saturday 17th September 2022.

It was brought to our attention, that on 30th August 2022 after the match, the communal violence occurred on Shaftsbury Avenue after hundreds of people spilled out onto the street to celebrate the results of the cricket match. The police arrested 27 people in connection with the violence. 20 days later in the evening of the 17th September 2022 violence occurred again due to religious extremist creating communalist disharmony in attempt to divide the communities in Leicester.

We suspect many have been injured and lots of vehicles have been damaged in a result of this violence.

Indian Workers Association (G.B) always welcome sporting events and promote healthy living. However, we strongly oppose communal base sports celebrations which conclude in religious disharmony and community division. We stand together with the police to take serious action against those who are responsible for this attempt to divide and disrupt communities in Leicester that have always lived together in harmony.

We appreciate that the Leicestershire Police are treating the incident as a hate crime, conducting an investigation and enforcing Section 34 and 35 of the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 to protect our communities and provide safety to those living in the area. We want to make sure that as part of the Leicester City Council and Leicestershire Police’s commitment to protecting communities, that any future celebrations have prior approval for the betterment for the whole community.

We would like to kindly request that you send us regular detailed updates of the actions taken by Police for the betterment of our city as we are deeply concerned.

Hope to hear from you soon.

Yours sincerely

SITAL SINGH GILL B.A. (HONS)

General Secretary , Indian Workers Association (G.B), Leicestershire

CC 1. Rupert Matthews, Police & Crime Commissioner, 2. Sir Peter Soulsby, Mayor, Leicester City Council,
3. Claudia Webbe MP, 4. Jon Ashworth MP, 5. Liz Kendal MP, 6. Neal O’ Brain M P, 7. Andrew Bridgen MP
8. All Leicester City Councillors, 9. All Religious Leaders in Leicestershire, 10. All members of the I.W.A.