Leicester disorder: Review panel in call for evidence

A panel leading a review into the cause of disorder in Leicester has appealed for people with evidence to contact them in confidence.

Former Labor MP Lord Ian Austin has been appointed to lead the review.

The call for evidence aims to “seek testimony and insight” from those involved and impacted.

The Independent Leicester Review Panel has appealed to residents and elected representatives, as well as community and voluntary groups.

It said responses would inform review findings, and offer recommendations for the city and government, due to be published later this year.

Lord Austin said: “We want to support Leicester as it seeks to address its challenges, build on its strengths and work through the difficult events that took place in 2022.

“We want to hear from all those who know their city best and can help us create a comprehensive and inclusive review that delivers for the people of Leicester.”

The unrest followed tensions involving mainly young men from Hindu and Muslim communities.

The review was set up to establish what happened, the causes, and what could be done to avoid further unrest.

All responses to the appeal will be treated confidentially unless respondents state otherwise, the panel said.

The review was commissioned last year by the Secretary of State for the Department of Leveling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, in May 2023.

He said he had spent a lifetime fighting prejudice and asked to meet communities in the city.