Results tagged “terror; fanatics; Alum Rock; Muslim; Islamic; police; normality” from Birmingham Mail - Editors Chair Blog

I've said it before and will say it again today. Local and regional newspapers have to live and work in the 'village' they serve.

While it's easy for the nationals to concentrate on the extremities and fanaticism of the terror trial, and today they do, it is also selfish of them. They can march into our communities and cause their headline havoc, then creep off again to their wine bars in London.

Here in Birmingham we will reap what we sew, and so I am proud of the newsdesk's plans on today's coverage.

Yes, we can and will highlight the extremities that came out in the trial. The Birmingham Mail is a newspaper of record and it is important that people know the full story.

But we have gathered some great reaction from community leaders and the ordinary Alum Rock citizens that takes this story forward.

Mosque leaders insistent that they must visit all those convicted to 'get inside their heads' to build a better understanding of what drove them to their crimes. Hopefully to then spread this understanding and to deter others from following the same route.

Traders and residents telling the world that their inner city suburb is normal, that 'fanatics' are in a minority and that they want to work with the rest of Brum.

Largely indigenous authorites take heed.... we all need to get into the minds of our fellow citizens as well. Are their better ways we can integrate? Can the police learn a lesson or two from the way their raids are perceived amongst the Islamic community? Can we move forward together?

I hope so. The Birmingham Mail will certainly refrain from making easy headlines from this story. We must reflect the wider normality of our suburbs.