WNY Chamber condemns riots

The West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce along with many other partners across the region and country, condemn the social unrest seen in Britain this past week and issues a plea for unity and calm going forward to protect the livelihoods and businesses of many of its members affected across all communities. 

The impact of the disturbances has affected many communities and disruption to businesses brought about by fear and vast amounts of misinformation circulating about potential further riots and disturbances.

This has understandably perturbed many individuals and families who, consequently, have been reluctant to venture into towns and city centres. This in turn has had an impact on trade for small businesses, who are seeing both reduced footfalls, as well as fears for the safety of both their premises and staff, with many voluntarily closing early, asking staff to work remotely or ensuring staff from certain backgrounds temporarily have less visible roles.

Conservative estimates and anecdotes from Chamber members suggest damage will be into the millions of pounds as groups attacked places of worship, hotels and accommodation, businesses and private property, resulting in dozens of police officers being injured as well as the closure of many businesses. 

The Chamber’s BAME committee, along with everyone in the chamber’s network, today resoundingly condemns the violence, calls for calmer heads to prevail and for SMEs to be supported during this period of disruption.

Nasreen Karim, chair of the chamber’s BAME committee, said: “Yorkshire is a region with the richest of diversities and home to people from all walks of life. It is this beautiful cultural mosaic that gives us our strength as a community and an economy.

“We will not have our treasured identity threatened by callous and cowardly thugs whose only intention is to spread mayhem and fear and whose actions have left families scared to engage in their day-to-day family and working lives for fear of being attacked.

“Lots of small businesses have invested their life savings into a business that has been looted and damaged. These businesses need support during the aftermath of these disturbances.

 “Yorkshire is also a global economy, transacting business across the globe. The violence and bigotry that has been on display threatens our reputation as a world class destination for business excellence and reduces our reputation on the world stage.

“Our communities and businesses have a right to feel safe and not be intimidated by extremist thugs.”

A joint statement from the Chamber’s three current presidents, Leeds’s Chris Black, Bradford’s Mark Cowgill and York & North Yorkshire’s Sarah Czarnecki, said: “The violence and racism seen on Britain’s streets this past week have brought shame to our country.

“Yet, they have also brought out the best in people, as seen by the bravery of police officers in putting themselves in harm’s way to protect businesses and places of worship or the communities coming together in the aftermath of riots to help clear away the debris.

“At this time, we call upon those concerned to make sure small business owners and staff are both protected and supported during this period of uncertainty. As a Chamber we stand ready to offer any support, guidance or assistance that we can for our region’s SMEs.”