KIRKLEES Council has spoken out in unity against racism following the fall-out from the EU referendum.

Leaders of all the parties say they are standing together to voice their beliefs in inclusion and diversity.

They said: "Today we are presented with an extremely difficult and complex national situation after the referendum, locally we mourn the horrific murder of our MP Jo Cox and internationally we witness further terrorist attacks.

"In such an environment it is all too easy for politicians to disagree on the causes and the solutions. In Kirklees we are united. All political parties promote the same collective view and act against hate and intolerance and in favour of a diverse, tolerant and inclusive Kirklees. We know that to truly tackle racism, we all need to speak out together and we are: We stand united against racism and xenophobia in all forms.

"We all agree with Nelson Mandela when he said that ‘No one is born hating another person because of the colour of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite."

The statement has been signed by the Conservatives, Labour, Liberal Democrats, Independents and Green Party.