Multi-faith vigil in Milton Keynes honours victims of Westminster attack

The vigil was held to give local people the chance to remember all those affected by last week’s tragic attack at Westminster in London.

The participants gathered at 11.45am for the remembrance.

The event is intended to be a respectful multifaith gathering that will give local residents the chance to pay their respects to all the victims involved in Wednesday’s attack, with special thoughts going out to the four deceased and the 50+ injured outside parliament.

The organiser Anouar Kassim (MBE) felt that as a city we needed to host our own commemorative gathering to demonstrate our cultural cohesion during this difficult and uncertain time.

He said: “It is imperative that we stand together in unity to focus on our countless similarities and shared values.

“These types of attacks - whether national or international - are designed to exacerbate divisions between us.

“This awful tragedy was a saddening and callous act that bears no resemblance to the peaceful teachings of the Muslim faith.”

The interfaith gathering was attended by representatives from a variety of religious groups alongside non-faith leaders.

This included Japanese Buddhists, teachers from MK French school, members of the Muslim Community, the Jewish faith and leaders of the Sikh Community.

In addition, the vigil was attended by Deputy Mayor councillor David Hopkins and the Commander of Thames Valley Police.