A vigil is to be held at St George’s Plateau in Liverpool on Tuesday 5 July. #cometogether – which starts at 5:30pm – will be addressed by community and faith leaders who will reflect on recent events and make clear that Liverpool remains a city where people of all faiths and ethnicities are welcome.

Mayor of Liverpool, Joe Anderson, said:

“Although we are living in very uncertain times, it is absolutely vital that we all come together to work our way through the outcome of the EU referendum.

“I want to reassure people that we are absolutely determined to stand together in unity and tackle together the challenges we will face. It is not about which way people voted – what’s done is done and we now have to move forward as one city, young and old working together.

“Liverpool is a welcoming place – an international gateway, and our distinctive culture, identity, and values are testament to the positive benefits of international migration.

“We were the gateway to the new world and have taken in people from different backgrounds, cultures and faiths for hundreds of years. That is why, in contrast with other areas, new communities in Liverpool have received strong support.

“We want to send out a powerful message that people who live here now, wherever they are from, are part of the community of Liverpool.  They are welcome here and we look forward to them remaining and being part of Liverpool in the future, and we will take any action necessary to tackle hate crime.”

#cometogether is one element of the Liverpool City Region’s response to the outcome of the European Union referendum.

Mayor Anderson has already met with faith and political leaders from all parties across the city region to discuss how to respond.

More discussions are planned over the coming weeks with businesses, universities, the Government and the EU to give out a clear message that there will be zero tolerance of hate crime and that the area is still open for business.

Mayor Anderson added:

“We are no strangers to crisis and adversity so we will come through this together – a stronger, fairer and more resilient city that values the contribution and potential of everyone.”

Anyone who wants to attend can gather at the plateau from 5pm, with the event starting at 5:30pm.