You are all valued says council chief

Luton's council leader has sought to reassure people in the town following the vote for leaving the European Union last week.

Her comments come after police and communities reported a rise in race related crimes after the country voted 52% to leave the EU after a fraught election campaign.

Cllr Hazel Simmons said: “The Brexit vote has caused the most enormous shockwaves across the country with the eyes of many focused on the national and international scene.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“However, despite whatever is happening elsewhere, I want to reassure you that here in Luton we are focused, as ever, upon our exciting local agenda and the tremendous opportunities that exist for our town.

“The needs of our community are the same now as they were before Thursday’s vote and we will continue to meet them in the very best way we can.

“We have just gone through a very divisive referendum campaign and I want to reassure all of our communities in Luton that they are valued members of our community.

“We are very proud to live in a diverse and vibrant town and will continue to condemn racism, xenophobia and hate crime.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“There is no place for them in Luton and we will continue to work together, as a town, to build cohesion with and between our communities.

“Undoubtedly, leaving the EU will be a complex and protracted process, so the best thing we can now do is stick to the clear plans we have in place in Luton.

“We have set objectives through Luton’s Investment Framework and are well positioned to deliver them.

“The Council believes this is a good place to be in and whilst we will have to adapt as political and economic dynamics change, our direction of travel is set and looks extremely positive.”

In Luton, 56.5% voted to leave the EU with 43.5% voting to remain.

Related topics: