SENIOR leaders have issued a statement calling on the people of Exeter to work together in the best interests of the city.

Following the attack on a Manchester synagogue on October 2 and the arson attack on an East Sussex mosque on October 4, the leaders have taken the opportunity to come together to celebrate Exeter’s history as a “welcoming, outward-facing city” and to invite fellow residents to “choose unity over division, and hope over fear”.

The statement comes as Exeter has seen an increasing number of demonstrations in recent weeks, and with significant protest activity expected this weekend.

The statement can be read in full below:

Exeter is for everyone – Statement from Civic Leaders

Exeter has a long and proud tradition of being a welcoming, outward-facing city, with communities of all faiths and backgrounds working together to build successful communities.

The Huguenots - French Protestants - found refuge in Exeter during the 17th Century; Exeter has been home to a permanent Jewish community for over 300 years, and the earliest record of Jewish residents is in the 12th century; Irish immigrants came to find work in the 19th Century; after WWII, the Windrush Generation came to work in our textile industry, and the Indian population has grown substantially working at local hospitals, in the care sector and in information technology and business. Refugees from Afghanistan, Kurdistan, Ukraine, and elsewhere have made Exeter their home - building award-winning businesses, working in our public services, and putting down roots here. Exeter is now proud to be a designated city of sanctuary.

Exeter is a globally renowned city. We are a world-leading centre for climate science and innovation. We are a UNESCO City of Literature, with Exeter Cathedral the home for exquisite works of Anglo-Saxon poetry. We recently played host to the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

We are home to a thriving Cathedral and Christian community; Exeter Mosque; the 260-year-old Exeter Synagogue; Exeter Gurdwara and Exeter Hindu Cultural Centre; and one of the best cultural celebrations in the UK, Exeter Respect Festival.

Our success as a city has always been built on our openness and outward-looking perspective, our warmth and generosity, and our ability to get along with one another.

As civic leaders representing faith communities, local and national politics, and city institutions, we make this statement together to stand with everyone who wants to make Exeter the best place to live it possibly can be.

We choose unity over division and hope over fear. We stand with our neighbours and friends who want to live their lives in peace, and who want to make a positive impact on our communities, our city and our country.

Only by working together will our city continue to prosper.

Steve Race

Member of Parliament for Exeter

The Rt Revd Dr Mike Harrison

Bishop of Exeter

The Very Revd Jonathan Greener

Dean of Exeter

Cllr Phil Bialyk

Leader, Exeter City Council

Chris Dent

Exeter Quakers

Cllr Anne Jobson OBE

The Rt Worshipful, The Lord Mayor of Exeter

Revd Ross Maynard

South Street Baptist Church

Ramona Nash

University of Exeter Multifaith Chaplaincy

Dr Saflo

Chair, Exeter Mosque and Islamic Centre

Prem Sivlal

President, Exeter Hindu Cultural Centre.