George Howarth – 2023 Statement on Violent Disorder in Knowsley

The statement made by George Howarth, the Labour MP for Knowsley, on 10 February 2023.

I have referred an alleged incident posted on social media, which has triggered a demonstration outside the Suites Hotel, to Merseyside Police and Knowsley Council. Until the Police have investigated the matter, it is too soon to jump to conclusions and the effort on the part of some to inflame the situation is emphatically wrong. If an offence has been committed, the police should deal with it appropriately through due process.

In addition, the misinformation about refugees being feather- bedded is untrue and intended to paint a picture that does not at all represent the facts.

The people of Knowsley are not bigots and are welcoming to people escaping from some of the most dangerous places in the world in search of a place of safety.

Those demonstrating against refugees at this protest tonight do not represent this community. We are not like that and overwhelmingly behave with sympathy and kindness to others regardless of where they come from.