MEMBERS of ethnic community groups recently attended a meeting in Grays and condemned the Russian attack on the Ukraine and pledged their solidarity with Ukrainians and those displaced by conflict.

West Thurrock Cllr Qaisar Abbas, who recently courted controversy after defecting to the Conservative group after learning he had been deselected by the local Labour group, and assistant secretary of Grays Mosque Joglur Rahman jointly organised the meeting.

Among those who attended were community and faith leaders including Rachhpal Singh, Priest of Sikh Temple, Mr Daljit Singh Flora, President Board of Trustees of Grays Sikh Temple, Man Bahadur Rai, President Thurrock Nepalese (Gurkha) Community, Rasheed Ayoola, Imam NASFAT Grays, Kehinde Yousuf, President NASFAT Grays, Helal Ali, Secretary Grays Mosque, Besnik Geci, Albanian community, Jamil Hussein, Kurdish community, Shiblur Rahman, Secretary THH, Emir Kahrimanovic, Thurrock Bosnian Community, Yusuf Mamon, representative of Thurrock Indian community, Rashid Nadeem, Pakistani community, Sami Sanaullah, Radio presenter, Ms Adeyanju Baruwa, Ms Nida Jaffary, Thurrock Shia Muslims, and Mr Sheikh Anjum.

In a statement issued after the meeting by Cllr Abbas it was said speakers reaffirmed their 'unwavering support' for Cllr Abbas, adding: "Cllr Abbas is a well-respected community leader and an exemplary councillor. He always listens and responds to our concerns. We stand firmly behind him and believe that he will continue his good work in the future. We all are united and will work together in the future for a better Thurrock."

Cllr Abbas briefed the attendees about local issues and upcoming elections. He also thanked the guests for their support. In his speech, he said "I regularly organise various events to bring different faith groups and communities together. Together, we are stronger and united we will thrive. I will keep working for a better, cohesive, and progressive Thurrock."