COMMUNITY members from all religions and races came together to sign a pledge against extremism and hatred.

Led by Harrow Metropolitan Police Service, a community led initiative entitled We Stand Together was launched at Harrow Civic Centre yesterday afternoon.

Borough Commander Simon Ovens was joined by the Mayor of Harrow Cllr Krishna Suresh, GLA member Navin Shah, Harrow councillors and representatives of community groups to sign a pledge to tackle hatred and extremism in the borough.

Police Sergeant Stewart Hyde, said: "Police in Harrow have been working in partnership across the borough to fight hate crime in all its guises.

"It is important that we stand together to embrace diversity in our communities and be proud and tolerant of our differences."

Mayor of Harrow, councillor Krishna Suresh said: “Signing the pledge was a way to show that any form of extremism or hatred will not be tolerated in Harrow. 

"Events like this are a great way to bring communities together from all faiths and backgrounds working towards a common goal. 

"It sends a strong message to those who do not share the same British values are not welcome in our borough. 

"If we stand together united we can build a stronger and safer community.”

This community-led initiative, conceived in the wake of terror attacks in Europe earlier this year, and in partnership with police, aims for communities to celebrate their differences and diversity to challenge extremism and hatred.

GLA member Navin Shah said: "It was a privilege to sign the pledge to express my ongoing commitment to unity by standing together against hatred and intolerance and building a stronger nation.

“Harrow's diverse community is the standard bearer when it comes to standing shoulders to shoulder, sharing and respecting our diverse faith and cultural values.

“Over the years we have stood together and defended harrow from external threats like the EDL. We are facing huge challenges from terrorism so there is no room for complacency.

“There is now even greater need to be vigilant and work even harder to protect us from threats and maintain our harmony."

The We Stand Together campaign is fast becoming recognised across the country, with activities and events being held to raise awareness of the project.