Minute's silence at council meeting for victims of Westminster attack

Councillor Richard Farnell moved a motion condemning the attacks at Westminster

A minute’s silence was observed at the council meeting on Wednesday following the unanimous passing of a council motion condemning the attacks at Westminster last week.

The motion was moved by Leader of the Council, Councillor Richard Farnell, and was seconded by Councillor Pat Sullivan.

Speaking at the start of the meeting, Mayor Ray Dutton said: “With the consent of the Council, I would like to suspend procedure rules to allow a motion on the Westminster attack last week.”

Councillor Farnell said: “Thank you Mr Mayor in moving this motion which has all party support.

"We are sending our sincerest condolences to the families of the victims, including PC Keith Palmer who was killed in this senseless act.

"Our thoughts are with those who are injured and continue to receive medical treatment.

"We share in the nation’s heartfelt gratitude to those who responded so decisively to provide immediate and continued effort to save lives, treat those injured and protect the citizens and visitors in the nearby vicinity.

“This council stands firm in a shared belief that any form of hate crime has no place in today’s society, and that communities, as Rochdale does, must continue to work together to combat those who would do others harm.

“We are united in the unshakeable faith we have in our system of democracy and will work to defend it against those who attempt to undermine the principles of freedom and equality in our society.”

Councillor Sullivan said: “There really isn’t much to say without sounding rather trite. As far as hate between different cultures is concerned, I don’t find it at all in this council. I find we all work together really well.”