We, as leaders of the Liverpool City Region and its universities, are exceptionally proud of the diversity and vibrancy of our City Region; proud to be known for our welcoming and inclusive nature; and proud of our community spirit.

We are therefore shocked and saddened to have received reports of verbal abuse towards members of our Chinese community in response to the coronavirus outbreak in China. Whilst these reports remain isolated, we are absolutely clear that one incident is one too many. Racism, discrimination and intolerance have absolutely no place in our region or our universities.

Liverpool’s Chinese community is one of the largest and oldest in Europe and our Chinese residents and students are an integral part of our communities. Together, we are neighbours, colleagues and friends. We know that this is a worrying time for us all but, when many are concerned for the health of family, friends and loved ones in China, our support is more important than ever before.

We know that the vast majority of our residents, staff and students are already standing together in solidarity with our Chinese community and we call on all others to do the same.

• Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region
• Joe Anderson, Mayor of Liverpool
• Cllr Rob Polhill, Leader, Halton Borough Council
• Cllr Graham Morgan, Leader, Knowsley Council
• Cllr Ian Maher, Leader, Sefton Council
• Cllr David Baines, Leader, St Helens Council
• Cllr Pat Hackett, Leader, Wirral Council
• Professor Dame Janet Beer, Vice-Chancellor, University of Liverpool
• Professor Ian Campbell, Vice-Chancellor, Liverpool John Moores University
• Professor Gerald Pillay, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, Liverpool Hope University