I AM appalled that Southampton’s Muslim community has had to cancel a celebration of their Eid festival through fears of violence from far-right extremists.

It is a disgrace that threats from such thugs should prevent a legitimate and peaceful faith celebration in our city.

It can be no coincidence that nationally racially-motivated crimes have multiplied five-fold since the referendum result.

While of course this does not reflect the intentions of the great majority of those who voted Leave, it has been boosted in consequence – and one of the most serious of the many negative consequences – of the unprincipled and dishonest exploitation of the immigration card by some of the leading Brexiteers, unleashing hostilities against those from abroad who make major contributions to our economy and society.

Southampton’s citizens and public authorities alike must make it crystal clear that we support the rights of all those of goodwill, whatever their faith or origins, to practice their beliefs freely and without fear.

Adrian Vinson

Southampton Liberal Democrats’ Parliamentary spokesperson for Southampton Test