MP's appeal amid 'challenging times'

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon has written to faith leaders in the town calling for strength from the community amid what he’s described as ‘challenging times’.

In his two page letter, Mr McMahon addressed this week’s Kerslake Report into the Manchester Arena bombing, which claimed the lives of 22 people including Alison Howe and Lisa Lees, two mothers from Royton, and injured hundreds more.

Mr McMahon claims the terrorist who blew himself up following the end of an Ariana Grande concert at the arena nearly a year ago was “met with hundreds of individual acts of kindness from all of our diverse communities.”

He added: “Though the hurt is still raw for many we should take comfort from our collective strength.”

Mr McMahon, who used to be leader of Oldham Council before being elected to Parliament, addressed the ‘Punish a Muslim’ letter, which is calling for attacks on members of the Muslim community and places of worship on Tuesday, April 3.

He said: “I took part in the debate in Parliament and although the letter and its intent was distressing, the united strength showed the power we have as decent people when we come together.”

“We are mindful of this as we approach April 3, and I offer solidarity to our Muslim community.”

In recent days the Labour Party has been hit by a wave of accusations aimed at party leader Jeremy Corbyn claiming he is anti-Semitic.

Mr McMahon addressed this issue, adding: “In my own party we have also had to hold a mirror to how we challenge and deal with anti-Semitism.”

Mr McMahon claims Labour has a “long way to go”, but claims the party must be firm to root out racism in all its forms.

He finishes his letter to all faith leaders in Oldham by saying: “In Oldham we are mindful always of the journey our town has taken in building understanding.

"We are conscious too of how fragile this can be and how much more there is to do.”