We are an extraordinarily diverse borough. More than 170 languages are spoken here. People from every faith and background call Ealing home. We are not simply a collection of different communities living alongside one another. At our best, we are a borough where people live, work, learn and celebrate together.

In a world where division often seems easier than unity, that is something worth protecting.

That is why community cohesion is not an optional extra for this administration. It sits at the heart of everything we do.

Recently, the council adopted a new Hate Crime Strategy. While Ealing remains a welcoming and inclusive borough, we know that hate crime can have a profound impact on individuals and communities. Whether motivated by race, religion, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity or any other form of prejudice, these incidents damage not only those directly affected but the wider sense of trust and belonging that holds communities together.

Our approach is simple. There should be no place for hate in Ealing.

We are focussed on prevention, supporting victims, encouraging reporting and working with other parts of the public sector to challenge and tackle offending behaviour. Crucially, it recognises that community cohesion cannot be delivered by the council alone. Schools, faith groups, voluntary organisations, community leaders, public services and residents all have a role to play.

This approach reflects a wider principle that runs through our Council Plan: community for everyone, growth across our 7 towns and power in your hands.

Strong communities are not built through councils acting alone. They grow when local people have the confidence, networks and opportunities to shape the places where they live. That is why we are investing in neighbourhood organisations, supporting community leadership and creating opportunities for residents to come together around shared challenges and shared ambitions.

Time and again, we see that the strongest answer to division is connection.

That has never been more important. International events can create tensions and anxieties that are felt locally. We have seen that in recent years across many communities. Our responsibility as a council is to ensure that everyone in Ealing feels safe, respected and valued, whatever their background, faith or identity.

We will continue to stand firmly against antisemitism, Islamophobia and every other form of hatred and discrimination. We will continue to support dialogue, understanding and respect. And we will continue to champion the values that make Ealing such a special place.

The diversity of our borough is not a challenge to be managed. It is one of our greatest strengths. Our job is to help it flourish.