, Leader of the Labour
Party, has written to the Prime Minister
calling on the Government to urge the United States and President
Trump to “respect human rights and
the fundamental democratic right to peaceful
protest.”
In a letter sent today, writes that the killing of
George Floyd and the subsequent response of the US authorities to
peaceful protests has “shone a spotlight on the racism,
discrimination and injustice experienced by those from black and
minority ethnic communities in the US and across the
world.”
In addition to asking the Government to answer how they
have raised concerns over the United States response to these
events, Starmer asks what steps the Government is taking to
reassure black communities in the UK.
Starmer ends the letter saying:
“The UK must be clear in showing that
we understand this frustration and that we
are ready to stand together with those who seek to
tackle the injustice and inequality that remains within all our
societies.”
Ends
Full text of letter
Dear Prime Minister,
In the House of Commons yesterday, I raised my shock
and anger at the killing of George Floyd and the
response of US authorities to the peaceful protests. This
has shone a spotlight on the racism, discrimination and injustice
experienced by those from black and minority ethnic communities
in the US and across the world.
I welcome that you shared some of the concerns I
raised with you and want to use this opportunity to
explore what the British government is doing to urge the United
States and President Trump to respect human rights and
the fundamental democratic right to peaceful
protest. I am sure that you share my strongly held belief
that the UK has a moral obligation to speak out in defence of
these values, no matter where in the world they are
challenged.
With that in mind I would like to ask you the following
questions:
-
Has
the Government raised its
concerns through official channels about the reaction so far
from US authorities to peaceful protest?
-
What additional
steps is
the Government planning
to reiterate the importance of a
peaceful and proportionate response to the protests in the
US?
-
What review is the Government conducting to ensure UK
exports are not being used in the suppression of democratic
rights?
-
Many of our own black citizens seeing these images also
feel palpable anger and anxiety. What steps is the government
taking to reassure black communities in the UK?
The death of George Floyd has justifiably prompted anger
and a burning desire
for fundamental change. The UK must be
clear in showing that we understand this frustration and
that we are ready to stand together with those who
seek to tackle the injustice and inequality that remains within
all our societies.
I look forward to your response,
