THE leader of Wokingham Borough Council (WBC) has said that the British people will ‘remain defiant in the face of terrorism’ following the attack in Manchester on Monday evening.
Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor expressed her sympathy towards those who had been affected by the tragedy, and their friends and families.
A book of condolence has been set up at the Council Offices in Shute End, and a one-minute silence will be observed at the start of this Thursday’s Executive meeting.
Cllr Haitham Taylor said in a statement released this afternoon: “As Leader, I know that I speak on behalf of all Members of the Council and all our staff when I say that our thoughts go out to the families affected by the atrocity in Manchester on 22nd May. I would also like to commend the courage that so many people had in coming to the aid of others in the midst of the chaos that followed and praise the bravery of the emergency and support services for their remarkable and swift efforts, putting their lives at risk to save others.
“It is impossible to understand the mind-set of those who set out to kill and injure innocents in this way but I am certain that whatever is thrown in the British people’s direction we will all remain defiant in the face of terrorism. Our very deepest condolences go out to all of those families, friends and communities who have lost loved ones.
“There will be one minute silence held at the beginning of the Executive meeting on Thursday evening to remember the lives of those who died on Monday and all of their families, friends and communities at this time of great sorrow.
“There is a book of condolence in the reception of the Council Offices if members of our community would like to sign and pay tribute.”