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Theresa May: Why criminals like Pavlo Lapshyn will fail

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Home Secretary Theresa May says criminals like Black Country mosque bomber Pavlo Lapshyn will fail in an official statement:

"Pavlo Lapshyn's court hearing, and the inevitable consequences which will now follow, must serve as an example to all those who seek to carry out acts of terror.

Terrorists, no matter what the ideology, or the form of terrorism, are criminals, and will be dealt with as such. Time and time again we hear how terrorists seek to hide behind sickening ideology and rhetoric. They try to cover their horrific crimes with despicable self-serving justifications.

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But whatever banner they claim to operate under, whatever their ethnicity or religion, and whatever the ethnicity or religion of their victims, they are nothing more than criminals bent on the murder of innocent people, and wanton, criminal destruction.

Throughout the summer I remained in close contact with the West Midlands Police to ensure that I was kept up to date with developments, and in September I met Mohammed Saleem's daughter and representatives from all the affected mosques.

I am determined that no one in this country should live in fear because of their faith. That is why the police have been working to help ensure British Muslims feel secure.

In the West Midlands, police security advisers visited over 200 mosques and Islamic centres to provide advice, and in other areas of the UK, where necessary, extra police patrols were put in place. A reminder about national police guidance on security measures for places of worship has been sent to all police forces.

We are also taking action to tackle hate crime. For example, we supported the founding of 'Tell MAMA', an initiative which measures and monitors anti-Muslim incidents and refers victims to support services. And the Taskforce on Extremism in September discussed how we can continue to address the issue of anti-Muslim extremism. This Government takes the issue of extremism and hate crime, including racial and religious hatred, very seriously.

Pavlo Lapshyn carried out a series of unprovoked attacks with the aim of causing division among communities. He has failed. Throughout this case, and during my visit to the West Midlands, I have been struck by the dignity and determination of the people to stand firm against extremism and terrorism. Your courage is an example to us all, and the reason why criminals such as Lapshyn will never succeed."

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