The horrific Manchester bombing has left us all shocked and deeply saddened. Our profound sympathies go out to all those who have suffered as a consequence.

I have consulted with prospective parliamentary candidates/agents for this constituency. We have agreed this is a local and not a national campaign and so the Education Question Event will go ahead. This is the position of the national Political Parties involved. If the event was today I would have cancelled it as a mark of respect.

A statement expressing sympathy and solidarity will be read out followed by a minute’s silence.

We believe that this will be a powerful gesture from our community that we stand shoulder to shoulder with the people of Manchester and that we will not allow ourselves to be divided by those that carry out such attacks and is, perhaps, another reason for going ahead.

We are sure that we can have a successful, although more sober, event tomorrow and look forward to seeing you there.

Stefan Simms Ealing NUT