A PROMINENT Muslim councillor has led a critical attack on Thurrock Council and its Labour administration for a 'lack of leadership' in addressing issues following recent violence and anti-social behaviour across the country.

While the council and Essex Police have been proactive in dealing with the issue in Thurrock and have worked together - and with the media - Cllr Qaisar Abbas says Muslims and ethnic groups in Thurrock do not feel safe and they are 'isolated and vulnerable'.

That is a summary contested by the council, Labour leaders and members of the police force.

Thurrock Nub News understands that senior officers in the council have expressed a feeling of 'betrayal' by Cllr Abass and senior Conservative colleagues – who they say have been briefed and kept informed of all actions in the borough. However, the council has declined the opportunity to comment formally on Cllr Abbas's allegations.

Cllr Abbas, who is the Conservative shadow cabinet member for community partnerships, issued a release saying he has met with a number of local faith groups following the national public order events across the country.

He says: "I have recently spoken with senior leaders of local faith groups following the disturbances we have seen on media. They are concerned for their members, their places of worship and the community at large.

"But one common theme in my conversations is the lack of effective engagement and reassurances from the local authority. The council is certainly not reaching out and offering support. The minority religious groups are feeling vulnerable and isolated in Thurrock."

On Thursday (8 August), in advance of the Tory press release, Cllr Abbas took to social media platform X and said:

Cllr Abbas says he has met with senior leaders of all Thurrock Mosques, Grays Gurdwara, Hindu Temple, NASFAT, and other groups over the past few days to help and reassure them, passing on the advice from the Home Office on what steps to take at this time. 

He added: "I have contacted the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Mr Roger Hirst, and asked that he ensure the local beat officers make contact with all faith groups to offer the practical advice on staying safe and for more visible patrolling around these places".

Leader of the Conservative group, Cllr Andrew Jefferies, backed up his colleague's claims, saying: "On behalf of the Conservatives Cllr. Abbas is once again in the thick of the community and offering practical help and advice.

"I am, however, disappointed that we've heard and seen nothing from senior Labour figures in Thurrock including council leader John Kent and our new MP Jen Craft who are missing in action.

"At a time of crisis, we should expect political direction, but our different communities have been met with silence and neglect. I'm urging anyone in Thurrock who feels scared or vulnerable to contact me or Cllr Abbas, if they would like advice or help. The local Conservatives are here for you".

In the wake of the Conservatives' release, Thurrock Council published a statement from Cllr Kent in its weekly email newsletter to residents.

Thurrock Council's newsletter release last Friday.

Cllr Kent said: "Essex Police have done a brilliant job of preventing this disorder spreading to Thurrock and Greater Essex, so far. Robust policing plans mean there has been a visible presence across the county providing reassurance to us all and acting as a powerful deterrent to would be troublemakers.

"We are continuing to work with the police and key local community groups to ensure all our borough's residents have the support they need.

"By sharing local knowledge, we have helped make sure that our CCTV cameras and staff are in the right place, so police are able to direct their resources. I've been in contact with community and faith leaders, to make sure they know what help is available from the council.

"It is one of Thurrock's strengths that people from all over the world have chosen to call our borough home, often as a welcoming place of safety. From the Windrush generation who travelled here to help rebuild London after the war, to the victims of the Srebrenica genocide who have rebuilt their lives here, Thurrock is and always will be a place that everyone can call home."

Ms Craft has also responded to Cllr Abbas's comments, saying: "It is disappointing to see that some in the local Conservative Party are choosing to focus on party politics during a time when our community needs unity and support.

"Thurrock has always been a place where we rise above our differences and come together, especially in challenging times. Now, more than ever, we should be reinforcing that spirit of solidarity.

MP Jen Craft met with local Muslim leaders last Friday.

"Since the unrest began, I have stayed in contact with our local Police force and liaised with the Home Office. Myself and my team have reached out to community groups to offer support and make sure they know who to contact if they have any concerns that the community have and to offer reassurance that swift action is being taken.

"As a result, I was invited to visit Taleem Mosque in Grays on Friday to listen to their experiences and demonstrate my support during this difficult period.

"Councillor Abbas's recent efforts to connect with local faith groups are commendable, and I support him fully in doing so. However, to suggest that Labour has been absent or neglectful is not only misleading but also diminishes the genuine work being done to protect and uplift our community.

"The actions of the Prime Minister and the Home Secretary have made sure that swift justice has taken place to act as a deterrent for further unrest. The Government has been abundantly clear that those who engage in riots or incite violence against others will be held accountable. I fully support this firm stance.

"There is absolutely no place in our society for hatred, intolerance, or actions that threaten the safety and harmony of our communities. We must all stand together to ensure that Thurrock remains a place where every individual feels safe, valued, and respected.

"I encourage those in the Conservative Party to work with us in a spirit of co-operation and put aside political differences to tackle extremism. Our focus is, and should be, on what truly matters: the well-being and cohesion of our community. Thurrock needs leadership that is dedicated to bringing people together, addressing concerns with empathy and care, and fostering a sense of belonging for all.

"If any member of our community feels scared or vulnerable, I want them to know that they are not alone. I am here to listen, to support, and to act on their behalf. Together, we can overcome the challenges we face and build a stronger, more united Thurrock where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."

East Thurrock's recently elected Reform MP James McMurdock, was invited to comment but has not responded.

During the past fortnight, since the riots began in the north west following the killing of three children, Essex Police have been in continual contact with local media, asking for responsible, non-inflammatory reporting and co-operation and offering details of what police action has been taking place.

This has included liaison with Thurrock Council and local groups.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner.

Assistant Chief Constable Andy Mariner advised residents to treat messages on social media and other platforms with caution, saying: "There is disinformation talking about activity in Essex. Our message is clear – ignore it."

A spokesperson for the force emphasised the nature of its pro-active policing policy working with councils and the media and added: "I don't believe there is any intelligence to indicate any planned disorder in Thurrock and we've been trying really hard to ensure the issues taking place elsewhere in the country don't get conflated with Essex.

"Comments like this are not super helpful."

Cllr Kent issued a further statement today (Tuesday, 13 August), adding: "During this time of hatred and division, the only way to support our communities is to come together and work as one. I will not be drawn into party politics at this time of national crisis. 

"I want to pay tribute to our fantastic police colleagues, who we have been working tirelessly with, to support our community, with daily visits to faith premises, and special measures put in place to keep them safe and deal with any issues. 

"The Chief Executive and I wrote to faith leaders on Monday to reiterate our support for all of our communities, and offer assistance. I have also spoken directly to many concerned members of our community.

 "I know what a difficult time this is for many in our community and what they need from us is action and protection, not virtue signalling."