ALT As Lent comes to an end and we move into the Easter weekend, I want to wish Christians everywhere remembering the death and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus Christ a very happy Easter. The story of Easter is central to the Christian faith: it is a story of hope, redemption and renewal. This Easter, as churches hold special services across the UK, and gather to celebrate with friends and family, we remember those Christians facing hardship, persecution or conflict around the world who cannot celebrate freely. I also want to thank you for the ways in which you follow Christ’s example of love and compassion in serving your communities. Whether through night shelters, youth clubs, toddler groups, family support, care for the elderly or chaplaincy support, and in a multitude of other ways, you demonstrate steadfast commitment and care. We can all take inspiration from the message of Easter and continue to work together for the flourishing and renewal of our country. Keir Starmer

ALT Shared City Partnership Chair Councillor Joe Duffy, Gina McIntyre from SEUPB, Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Ryan Murphy, artist Sara Cunningham-Bell and Shared City Partnership Deputy Chair Councillor Ian McLaughlin with Carry Each Other sculpture in background