Attending a remembrance event at Barking Town hall for Jodie Chesney brought home the tragic consequences of knife crime. I met with her family afterwards and their dignity in such circumstances was truly humbling.

Meanwhile, the whole world remains in shock at the horrific terror attack in Christchurch, New Zealand, which saw 50 people murdered by a right-wing terrorist. Afterward, New Zealand prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, said “We now need a global response to racist, right-wing ideology”. Her words resonate around the globe. Following the attack, Cllr Darren Rodwell and I spoke to those marching at the UN Day of Action Against Racism of the need to redouble our efforts to combat hate here in the UK.

At City Hall, a session was held on how we can prevent hate attacks. The Community Security Trust advised and offered their expertise to other faiths and the deputy leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, Saima Ashraf, spoke.

We must heed prime minister Ardern’s call for action. Groups like the so-called Democratic Football Lads Alliance, with their hate-fuelled rhetoric, have no place in our society. My calls to West Ham Utd to state clearly that they are not, and never will be part of the West Ham family, have been supported by many others, and I will be asking other clubs to follow suit.

Finally, the 49th anniversary of the independence of Bangladesh celebrations at Barking Town hall showcased the best of the borough, bringing different groups together.