Across the country we have seen historic monuments being attacked and torn down.

We believe that the historic monuments of Sunderland must be protected and must not be allowed to be removed by the mob.

Sunderland has a long, proud history and our historic monuments reflect this. These include monuments remembering our proud military history, as well as people who have shaped our city.

We call on Sunderland Council to protect our historic monuments, to reject any calls to remove them and to ensure that mobs do not destroy them.