Press Release

Update : 5th October 2009

Grayling is off-side on Moss Side

Further to our News Release on 25th August 2009, MCCR invited Chris Grayling to visit Manchester when we would organise a day’s interaction with local communities of Moss Side. Having initially accepted our offer, sadly he has not committed himself to local interaction, even though he is in Manchester at the Conservative Party Conference.

25th August 2009

Grayling is off-side on Moss Side

The Shadow Home Secretary Chris Grayling’s witnessing urban warfare in Moss Side could not be farther from the truth. He has condemned this vibrant community based on his one-stop visit in June. He has clearly not met the local community to gauge any meaningful understanding of Moss Side, its people, its businesses and its community organisations.

The Chief Executive of Manchester Council for Community Relations (MCCR) Khan Moghal said, "It seems that Mr Grayling made no attempt to link with local people. If he had done that, he would have witnessed the community harmony and the partnership that has developed between the communities and the Police and the Council in reducing crime and disorder. Clearly, the Shadow Home Secretary made no attempt to learn about Moss Side before jumping to judgements. He has been found off-side in Moss Side.”

Moss Side is a thriving community due to continuous hard work being done by the various communities living in this neighbourhood with good substantial support from the Police and the Council. People are united in tackling challenges and taking Moss Side into the future with a vision shared by every-one.

MCCR is located in Moss Side. Khan Moghal further said, “Being located in Moss Side for the last 6 years has given us the strength from the local communities to think big for the local area. There have been numerous initiatives by the authorities to enhance the quality of life of Moss Side residents.”

MCCR feels it is rather unfortunate that Mr Grayling’s negative views have come at the same time as Sarah Ferguson’s negative depiction of Wythenshawe. The reality is different, the local media understands this. We only wish the national media based in London would come up to Manchester, spend some time here and understand the people and places of Manchester. They will be pleasantly surprised.

For further information, please contact:
Nasrullah Khan Moghal (Chief Executive) on 0161-227-8708 or 07818-453546 or Atiha Chaudry (Chair – Manchester BME Network) on 07780-514143

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Notes to editors:

1. MCCR (Manchester Council for Community Relations) works towards the elimination of racial discrimination and promotion of Racial Equality, Equal Opportunities, Diversity and Community Cohesion in the Manchester City Region.
2. Its core activities are supported by Manchester City Council.
3. MCCR’s webpage www.mccr.org.uk