Lynne Featherstone MP spoke at a public meeting last night alongside local Lib Dem Councillor, David Winskill. The meeting at the Muswell Hill Baptist Church was organised by Unite Against Fascism in the aftermath of the fire at the Coppetts Road Somali Bravanese Centre last week.

The meeting, which attracted around 250 local people, brought together religious leaders, local politicians and members of the local community in order for them to express their concerns after the fire.

The fire was condemned across the board with Lynne Featherstone MP telling the meeting that Haringey has a great tradition of working together in times of adversity. The community also widely expressed its commitment to rebuild the centre.

It is not yet clear whether the fire was started in a hate attack but Police have confirmed it as an act of arson.

Councillor for Crouch End, David Winskill, commented:

“I want to congratulate and thank Unite Against Fascism for calling this very important meeting. With 200 community languages, Haringey can lay claim to being one of the most culturally diverse places on the planet.

“This is Haringey. This is what Haringey does- it is home for people who come from all over the world. It does it well. This is who we are.”

After the meeting Lynne Featherstone MP said:

“The fire has been a terrible incident for the whole community but I am so pleased by the way that local people have rallied in recent days. It is in Haringey’s DNA to work together, particularly during difficult times.

“We are a united community and this will not divide us – it will only bring us closer together.”