Coming in the wake of the tragic shooting of Rhys Jones, the ‘Liverpool Unites’ initiative aims to bring the people of the city together in a massive show of solidarity against violent gun use. The Trinity Mirror owned title is using 150,000 purple ribbons as the rallying standard for the campaign; giving them away free and encouraging residents to don them in a show of support.

So far the eleven year old’s parents have fully endorsed the newspaper's action, while Liverpool’s Chief Constable Bernard Hogan-Howe (above) came out in yesterday’s paper to say it was “fantastic”, and that the additional aims its proposes lobbying government for (including 1,000 extra police officers for Merseyside) are eminently achievable.

Speaking to How-Do about the reaction to the campaign, John Fahey, head of marketing communications for Trinity Northwest, said: “Everyone we talk to has been hugely positive.  The public are keen to support it and show that the people of Liverpool care deeply for one another and their whole community, while the media have given it substantial coverage (through channels such as Granada Reports, Radio 5 Live, Radio City and The Mirror).”

He continued: “So far we’ve given out about 70,000 of the ribbons – through active distribution in places like supermarkets and through our vendors and newsagents – and, from the uptake, it looks like we may have to order more than the initial run of 150,000.

“The campaign will develop and we’ll take it nationally. It gives people a way of tangibly displaying their support for Rhys’ family, while pushing government to make changes to the laws relating to gun crime.”

Fahey also explained that the concept ‘Liverpool Unites’ was inspired by the reaction that Rhys Jones’ parents had received when they walked out at Anfield wearing Everton FC kits. “It was a moment that transcended football,” he commented.

http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/

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