BRUSSELS TERROR ATTACK SUPPORT BY SUNDERLAND
The Earl of Durham’s Monument – better known as Penshaw Monument – illuminated tonight (TUES) with the Black Yellow and Red of the Belgian flag in tribute to the victims of the Brussels terror attacks.
Penshaw Monument, which dominates the landscape between Sunderland and Durham, was built in 1844 as a replica of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens.
Sunderland’s Penshaw Monument is being lit in Belgium’s colours tonight.
It comes as a mark of solidarity following today’s (March 22) terror attacks.
The monument will be lit in the black, yellow and red of the Belgian tricolour national flag from dusk this evening.
Leader of Sunderland City Council, Councillor Paul Watson said: “It has been truly shocking to watch the events unfolding in Brussels today.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with all those affected by the explosions and with the emergency services who worked so tirelessly to rescue them.
“As part of the International community it is important that Sunderland shows its sympathy and continuing support to all those in Belgium and across the world affected by these terrible attacks.
“We hope that lighting up one of our most iconic landmarks the Penshaw Monument will help symbolise that support, and provide a focal point for people’s tributes to those in Brussels.”
The flag on Sunderland Civic Centre has been flying at half-mast.
Paul Brannen, one of the Labour MEPs for the region is currently in Brussels at the European parliament.
He announced that he was safe on Twitter.
I and the MEP staff are all ok here in Brussels. Jude currently in Canada on a trade delegation. We are all staying in the parliament.
— Paul Brannen MEP (@PaulBrannenNE) March 22, 2016
He also expressed his thanks for the concerns following the attacks in the Maelbeek metro station.
The station is near the Council of the EU building.
Thanks for all the messages of concern. We will stay put in the EU Parliament until advised otherwise by security. @Jude_KD @Labour4NE
— Paul Brannen MEP (@PaulBrannenNE) March 22, 2016