As a borough, everyone in Ealing should be proud of its diversity; of its long history of providing a home to people from across the globe. I know many visitors are, rightly, impressed by the way in which our communities live and work together.

The borough consists of people from all kinds of backgrounds, all of whom have contributed beyond measure to our economic, social, cultural and civic life.

Ealing is a better, and also more prosperous, place as a result of this rich diversity.

It was deeply worrying to hear, and read, of the occurrences of hate crime around the country following the EU referendum – whether it took the form of verbal abuse or graffiti.

The council, as ever, is working closely with the police and other partners. Indeed, all the political parties on Ealing Council have joined together to issue a statement condemning all forms of abuse, racism and xenophobia.

I, and everyone else on the council, would urge residents to report any instances of hate crime so we can all stand up to those responsible.

Tolerance, harmony and welcome to all

Our long established spirit of tolerance and harmony, and of welcome to all, is the overriding message our borough sends out to the world and these defining qualities are what will continue to triumph here.

Ealing continues to say: Welcome.

As I said after the horrendous attack in Nice during July, tolerance, understanding and cohesion are our greatest weapons against hatred and, indeed, against terrorism too.