Those seeking to divide us will never win, says Angela Rayner

Over the last few days the vast majority of this country has looked on in horror at the thuggery and criminality on our streets. Some may go to bed tonight still in fear having seen hatred and violence stirred up in their communities

There is absolutely no excuse for the violence and intimidation we have seen which has no place in our society and cannot be described as legitimate protest.

I stand with the faith leaders who have said that every British citizen has a basic right to be respected and has a responsibility to respect others.

And in the face of violence and intimidation, we’ve seen the best of Britain shine through.

There have been so many examples of communities coming together to repair the damage caused by thugs. I saw it for myself in Rotherham meeting with police, staff and some of the brave volunteers who came together to clean up the area after last weekend’s violent attack by a mob on a hotel.

Everyone from nurses to councillors to Rotherham United Football Club rallied around and stood in unity to prove that they are much stronger than the minority whose senseless violence shook their town.

This has been replicated in other towns and cities. When Spellow Library was destroyed in Liverpool, Alex McCormick set up a fundraiser to help with repairs and raised thousands of pounds above her target.

When Toni and Matt in Bristol saw the horrific attacks on the Mercure Hotel in Redcliffe, they raised money to buy toys for the children living there.

From checking in on neighbours, to repairing property, this is the power of communities coming together. It makes you proud to be British.

This is what we stand for. These are the values we share.

Be in no doubt - those who disrupt the fabric of our communities, throw missiles at police and damage property, will face the full force of the law.

Over the last few days hundreds have already been charged for violent disorder which carries a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison. More charges will come as investigations continue at pace. The Government gives our full support to the courts and the police to do their job and deliver swift justice to the criminals responsible.

I want to pay tribute to the police who have done an incredible job in very difficult circumstances, putting themselves in harm’s way for the safety of others.

Greater Manchester Police, in my own constituency, are so dedicated to serving their communities and have shown it again in their response to the recent violent disorder.

With so much of the hatred is stirred up online, social media companies have a vital role in managing the false information that has led to outbreaks of violence. All of us have a responsibility not to amplify these false or unverified claims, and those that do will face the consequences. Indeed, some who have stirred up hatred online have already been jailed.

The horrendous events in Southport will take the community a long time to rebuild and recover from. We are working closely with Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram and Sefton Borough Council to provide a package of support so they can offer the right support for the victims, put the needs of the bereaved families first, and help the community in the long term.

Community leaders across the country are playing their part in bringing people together in unity to condemn hatred, violence and vandalism. This includes all of our 12 Metro Mayors who have a vital role, while we are looking at what more support the Government can provide to local councils.

The Prime Minister is right that the risks have not gone away, and we must not give up on our efforts to stem the violence. The safety and security of our communities is our absolute priority.

But looking ahead, our mission for national renewal means bringing the whole country together in keeping with our values while ensuring hate and intimidation is never tolerated.

Those seeking to divide us will never win. This is not how we do politics in this country and together we will build stronger communities across the United Kingdom.