Finchley and Golders Green MP condemns far right demonstration planned for North Finchley tonight while warning residents to avoid the area

Sarah Sackman - Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green — Sarah Sackman, Labour MP for Finchley and Golders Green

Sarah Sackman has shared her worries about “potential violent disorder and Islamophobic and antisemitic behaviour” ahead of planned far right activity in North Finchley this evening.

The Finchley and Golders Green MP chaired an online meeting of local police, politicians and community leaders this morning in respond to the threat of a far right protest and expected counter-protest.

The meeting heard from Superintendent Lorraine Busby-McVey of the Barnet Neighbourhood Team who outlined a ‘comprehensive policing plan’ in response to the action.

Other participants in the meeting included Jewish and Muslim community leaders, Barnet Council leaders, London Assembly member Anne Clarke, Barnet Citizens, Tell Mama, Community Security Trust and Sackman’s fellow Barnet MPs, Dan Tomlinson and David Pinto-Duschinsky.

Participants agreed to organise a ‘cross-community, multifaith solidarity event’ this weekend in response to the situation.

Speaking during the meeting Sackman said: “I am grateful for the leadership shown by the council, Jewish and Muslim community leaders in coming together this morning in support of our diverse community in the face of threats of racist, violent disorder. This is a chance to share and listen to your fears and to think about how we deepen community cohesion in the future.”

She added: “I understand the concerns residents will have in light of the riots we have witnessed during the last week and the threatened action tonight. The police have put in place the resources to keep us safe.”

She also warned residents to steer clear of tonight’s demonstrations saying: “I would urge calm and for people to avoid the North Finchley location which has been shared online. I am concerned worried about potential violent disorder and Islamophobic and antisemitic behaviour. This is not our Finchley. Many these threats come from hostile actors outside our communities whose values are an anathema to ours.”

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