Written statement: Supporting the safety of people and communities in Wales following the incident in Southport on 29 July

Over the last fortnight, there have been numerous incidents of disorder, violence, racism and Islamophobia following the devastating incident in Southport on 29 July. Although we have not seen the level of disorder in Wales as has been experienced in England over recent days, we cannot be complacent.

Wales has no place for discrimination, victimisation, harassment or abuse. We stand opposed to hate committed against any of our communities, including online hate. I know the threat of potential disorder has had a real impact on many people in Wales and the events of the last few weeks have highlighted the real and unacceptable experiences of hate and racism people across Wales too often face in their daily lives.

We have taken a proactive approach to engaging with a range of people and communities to understand their experiences and perspectives. I met with senior policing leads in Wales today to discuss how they are managing the potential for disorder and promoting the safety of people in Wales. I also convened a separate meeting today with representatives from community groups and voluntary sector organisations in Wales, including faith and belief leaders. This meeting brought together those representatives with the police and Welsh Local Government Association to further support shared learning.

In these meetings policing partners provided reassurances on the proportionate and sensible approaches they are taking to monitor and address the potential for disorder in Wales, and on how they are working with local stakeholders to provide reassurance, protect and safeguard those who may be at risk. I welcome the decisive and supportive approach they are taking to address the threat of potential disorder in our communities.

The meetings were also an opportunity to hear the concerns of communities and individuals, including from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, organisations supporting refugees and sanctuary seekers and the wider voluntary sector in Wales. The experiences shared were a powerful reminder of the need to come together to prevent hate and racism in all their forms.

I encourage people to continue to follow advice and guidance shared by policing partners through their official channels over the coming days and weeks. Together, we can stand against hate and ensure all people in Wales can feel safe and secure in the communities where they live. I encourage elected representatives in Wales to resist hate and play their part in reassuring communities and tackling disinformation.

We will continue to work with local authorities, trade unions, employers and partners in sectors like health and education to ensure our communities are safe and welcoming for everyone in Wales. In particular, our work with partners continues to promote strong, cohesive and anti-racist communities in every part of our country through the delivery of our Anti-Racist Wales Action Plan.

I want Wales to continue to be a warm and welcoming nation and our relationships across our communities needs to reflect this. There will never be a place for hate in Wales, or across the UK. None of our people and communities should ever be forced to live in fear and we will continue to work with partners to realise a Wales where everyone is safe from hate.

This statement is being issued during recess in order to keep members informed. Should members wish me to make a further statement or to answer questions on this when the Senedd returns I would be happy to do so.