Last month I was deeply saddened to hear the news of the shocking terrorist attack in New Zealand.

Fifty Muslim worshippers tragically lost their lives and many more were wounded in a devastating assault on two mosques in Christchurch.

Last week I attended a community vigil at the Al-Madina Mosque in Victoria Road, Barking.

The mosque hosted a beautiful ceremony to commemorate all the victims of the vicious New Zealand attack.

I spoke at the interfaith vigil about remembering the victims and breaking down barriers in our community.

We cannot let extremism or hate into our borough.

I am working hard to ensure the safety of the Muslim community in Barking and Dagenham.

Metropolitan Police data shows that Barking and Dagenham has the joint lowest rate of Islamophobic incidents of any other borough in London.

That is something to be proud of.

But we can’t rest on our laurels.

That’s why I have signed a letter to the home secretary, Sajid Javid, calling for him to urgently release additional funds to protect places of worship.

As we approach Ramadan we must make sure every mosque has the security to keep worshippers safe.

Everyone has the right to practice their religion without fear or harm.

I will continue working to protect every local resident of Barking and Dagenham, whatever their faith or beliefs.

Barking and Dagenham is and must always be a tolerant and welcoming place for all.