ALT Peaceful assembly and protest are fundamental rights in our liberal society that must be protected but setting cars on fire, intimidating local people and places of worship and forcing a city centre shutdown is not protest and is completely unacceptable. I want to thank our brave police officers who put themselves in harm’s way to keep us safe. People exploiting the terrible tragedy in Southport to spread misinformation, violence and thuggery do not represent Sunderland or the vast majority of people who live here who are warm, welcoming and happily live and work side by side with everyone, whether you were born and bred in Sunderland or whether you’ve chosen to make Sunderland your home. In contrast to those responsible for this violence in Sunderland and in other towns and cities across the country, it is remarkable how the community in Southport has come together in recent days to grieve and support each other in the wake of this awful tragedy. It is that response of love and and co