thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--16 Key Events In The History Of Anti-Black Racism In The UK

The killing of George Floyd, a Black man, at the hands of a white US police officer, sparked demonstrations across the US and the rest of the world.
People are demanding that the police officer who knelt on Floyd’s neck for almost nine minutes be brought to justice. But they are also calling for an end to all police brutality and anti-Black racism.
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As more protests are slated to happen in the UK, it serves as a sobering reminder that this country has its own problems with systemic racism.
The Lammy Review (2017), a probe into the outcomes for Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people in the justice system, laid bare some truths that Black people have known for decades: the system is rigged.
Black people are more likely to be arrested and sent to prison than their white counterparts in Britain – and twice as likely to die in police custody.
In this piece, HuffPost UK looks at some historic, prominent cases of racism and racial tension that have occurred on our doorstep, and the effect they have had on race relations over the years.
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1. Slavery
Contrary to what many people think, Britain’s Black community didn’t start in 1948 with the arrival of 802 Caribbean passengers on the Empire Windrush.
In fact, history shows there has been a Black presence in the UK from as early as the 15th century.
The UK played a pivotal role in the barbaric acts of slavery and the slave trade. Africans were stolen from their homeland and systematically dehumanised – ripped from their families, raped, beaten into submission and reduced to “property”.
Because many abolitionists were English, Britain likes to pride itself on the notion that an African was a free person in the UK, unlike in the US. History tells a different story.
Britain’s plantation records reveal the extent of the inhumane treatment Africans were subjected to by plantation owners and more importantly how the slave trade made them and the UK very wealthy.
British slavery was thriving some 3,000 miles away in the British Caribbean colonies and fast became a very lucrative business.
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When slavery was abolished in 1833, it wasn’t the slaves who were compensated – it was the 46,000 slave-owning British citizens who got payouts to cover their financial losses.
2. 1919 race riots
King George V opens the Gladstone Dock at Liverpool in 1913. Liverpool was a major slave trading port. Six years later, riots broke out in the city and Charles Wotten was killed by a white mob. PA
Following the First World War – in which Caribbean soldiers had done some of the most dangerous and back-breaking work for lower pay than their white counterparts – racial tensions in some of the UK’s major cities were at a high.
Many Caribbean war veterans wanted to reside in the “motherland”, as the UK was sometimes called, and those who did were often blamed for the lack of jobs and housing. There was also a strong resentment at the growing relationships between Black men and white women.
On the night of June 5, 1919, a fight broke out in Liverpool between Black and Scandinavian sailors, leading police to raid the streets where the city’s Black community lived.
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Charles Wotten, also known as Wootton, a 24-year-old Bermudan who served in the Royal Navy during the war, fled his home but was chased into the River Mersey, where he was pelted with stones until he drowned. Police, who initially came to arrest him, did nothing to stop the attack.
The rioting crowd swelled to almost 10,000 people. Minority-owned businesses and homes were destroyed by white rioters. Unsurprisingly the government did not reimburse victims for any damages they incurred, and fast-tracked a repatriation package set up for Caribbean servicemen.
3. The “colour bar” and the League of Coloured People
In 1930s Britain, racial prejudices were widespread. One of the people trying to make a change was Harold Moody.
Born in Jamaica, Moody had studied medicine at King’s College London but was repeatedly denied work because he was Black.
On March 13, 1931, he called a meeting with other prominent UK civil rights activists in a YMCA in London’s Tottenham Court Road, where the League of Coloured Peoples (LCP) was formed to combat the racial disparities that he and many others were facing on a daily basis.
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Its initial focus would be on getting rid of the unofficial colour bar that was in place in the UK workplace, society and housing.
The LCP made active gains in trying to eradicate the colour bar for many Black people, especially in helping find families who would accept Black children during the evacuation period of the Second World War.
4. Notting Hill race riots
Police officers with dogs at a street in Notting Hill during riots in Notting Hlil, 1958 PA
Within a few years of the Empire Windrush docking in Tilbury, hostility towards Caribbean migration was beginning to deepen.
There was an increase in violent attacks on the growing community and things came to a head with the Notting Hill riots.
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On August 29, 1958, Majbritt Morrison, a Swedish woman who was married to a Jamaican man, was verbally assaulted by a group of white youths who witnessed her arguing with her husband at Latimer Road station.
The next day Morrison was recognised by some of the group who racially abused and assaulted her. That evening, a mob of 300-plus youths went on a rampage attacking the homes of West Indian residents, rioting and attacking people. It continued every night for nearly two weeks.
Police arrested more than 140 people, the majority being young white boys. Nine youths were sentenced to up to five years in prison.
The carnage and civil unrest shocked the residents of west London and, to ease tensions, activist Claudia Jones organised a precursor to the Notting Hill Carnival as we know it. The Caribbean Carnival took place on January 30, 1959.
5. The Commonwealth Immigrants Act
In 1962 the Conservative government acted on the growing issue of racism by creating the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, which restricted the immigration rights Commonwealth citizens had been granted in the 1948 British Nationality Act.
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Labour leader Hugh Gaitskill referred to the act, which had a focus on skilled workers and introduced work permits, as a “cruel and brutal anti-colour legislation”. Activist Claudia Jones described it as “a deliberate attempt to restrict the flow of people of colour to the UK from British colonies.”
Its impact was that those who had been previously encouraged to come to the UK to work in the NHS and be a founding part of the welfare state now found the invitation rescinded.
In 2012 prime minister Theresa May used with the same approach to immigration when she introduced her “hostile environment” for undocumented migrants.
6. Bristol bus boycott
In 1963 the Bristol Omnibus Company was operating an unofficial colour bar. Four young West Indian Men, Roy Hackett, Owen Henry, Audley Evans and Prince Brown, formed an action group called the West Indian Development Council and set up a test case against the bus company to prove that the colour bar was in place.
They set up an interview and told the bus company that the candidate was West Indian. The interview was promptly cancelled.
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Inspired by Rosa Parks and the Montgomery Bus Boycott in America 1955, the men called a press conference and announced that none of the city’s West Indian communities would be using the bus service from there on and that many white people would be supporting their actions.
The boycott drew national attention to racial discrimination and lasted four months, after which the company finally backed down and overturned the colour bar.
Following the boycott’s coverage, in 1965 Parliament passed a Race Relations Act which outlawed discrimination “on grounds of colour, race, or ethnic or national origins”
7. Racism in politics
Peter Griffiths, MP for Smethwick, leads a deputation of constituents calling for the housing minister to lend Smethwick Council money to buy houses in Marshall Street – for white people only ASSOCIATED PRESS
“If you want a nigger for a neighbour, vote Labour.”
It’s hard to imagine a major political party using such an offensive slogan to get votes, but that’s what Conservative MP Peter Griffiths did in the 1964 general election.
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The slogan was met with huge controversy but Griffiths refused to disown it. At the time the town, Smethwick, was among the most colour-conscious places in Britain, a reputation that led, a year later, to a visit from American civil rights activist Malcolm X.
Although Labour won the general election, Griffiths won the seat. And he did so by preying on the insecurities of the white working class in Smethwick in what is now seen as one of the most racist election campaigns ever fought in Britain.
Prime minister Harold Wilson called on Tory leader Sir Alec Douglas-Home to disown Griffiths, who he referred to as a “parliamentary leper”. In response 25 Tories walked out of the Commons chamber in protest at Wilson’s “insulting language”.
Later that decade Enoch Powell, MP for nearby Wolverhampton South West, would deliver his racist “Rivers of Blood” speech criticising the rate of immigration and further stoking racial tension.
The white supremacist political party, the National Front, was also gaining momentum in the late 1960s with its anti-immigrant rhetoric.
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8. The trial of the Mangrove 9
Barbara Beese was a member of the Black Panthers and one of the original Mangrove Nine National Archives
On August 9, 1970, 150 people marched to a local police station near Notting Hill to protest against repeated raids on the Mangrove restaurant in search of drugs.
Violence between the police and protesters led to a series of arrests and nine people were charged with incitement to riot. During the 55-day trial, one of the defendants described the police persecution of Notting Hill’s Black community and another exposed the inconsistencies in the police testimonies.
The jury acquitted all nine on the charge of rioting and judge Edward Clarke made history when it was acknowledged that there was racial discrimination and wrong doing by the London police, as well as evidence of racial hatred on both sides.
9: Sus laws
The sus (“suspected person”) law was a stop and search law created in the 1824 Vagrancy Act, giving officers powers to arrest anyone they suspected of loitering with the intent to commit an arrestable offence.
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From the 1960s it was used strategically against young Black men, with evidence showing a disproportionate number of young Black men being stopped compared to their white counterparts. In the 1970s public panic about “muggings” increased the number of young Black men being stopped and searched.
The method is still used today by police. Black people are almost 10 times as likely to be stopped and searched as white people. Three in every 1,000 white people were stopped and searched in 2017/18, compared to 29 in every 1,000 Black people.
10. The 1981 riots
A riot in Brixton on April 12, 1981 ASSOCIATED PRESS
From April to July 1981 a series of riots took place across the UK – in Brixton (London), Handsworth (Birmingham), Chapeltown (Leeds) and Toxteth (Liverpool).
In all four disturbances, racial tensions and social and economic disadvantages played a huge part in the communities rioting. Sus laws were being used on young Black males at a disproportionally high rate and work opportunities for ethnic minorities were at an all time low.
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The riots shocked Britain and prompted the government to put forward strategies for helping young people into work, including the Youth Training Scheme (YTS) for school leavers.
11. The New Cross Fire
In the early hours of January 18, 1981, a fire occurred during a party at a house in New Cross, south east London. The blaze killed 13 young people aged 14 to 22.
New Cross at that time had a high degree of racial tension with far right groups being active locally.
One week after the fire, a meeting was held and a Black People’s Day of Action was established. On March 2, 20,000 people marched from Fordham Park to Hyde Park carrying placards that read “Thirteen Dead, Nothing Said” and “Blood Ah Go Run if Justice No Come”.
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Whilst walking through Fleet Street, they were met with alleged monkey chants and abused verbally. The next day The Sun ran with the headline “Day the Blacks Ran Riot in London.”
No one has ever been charged in connection to the fire.
12. The death of Colin Roach
For 37 years, the death of Colin Roach has remained a mystery for friends and family alike.
Roach, 21, died from gunshot wounds inside the entrance of Stoke Newington Police Station in Hackney, London, on January 12, 1983.
There have been numerous allegations of a police cover-up as the police surgeon concluded that Roach died from suicide – even though the gunshot wound was at the back of his head.
Over the years the family and supporters of Colin Roach have repeatedly called for an independent public inquiry.
Poet Benjamin Zephaniah has been vocal in support about mysterious circumstances into how Roach died.
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In 2018, Zephaniah told the Hackney Gazette: “The mood in the community at the time wasn’t just about Colin Roach, it was about all the other cases of racial injustices taking place at the time, and he represented the extreme.”
13. Broadwater Farm riot
Police in riot gear during the Broadwater Farm riot PA
On October 5, 1985, Broadwater resident Cynthia Jarrett died of heart failure after four police officers burst into her home during a raid looking for stolen property. They found nothing.
The raid, coming a week after Brixton woman Cherry Groce was shot in her home by police looking for her son, shocked and angered the local Caribbean community. The Jarrett family met police to discuss her death and demand an inquiry.
By the evening, tensions were running high and police were called to a nearby disturbance. On arrival they were pelted with bottles and stones, cars were overturned and set alight, as were shops and other buildings.
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Pc Keith Blakelock was sent to assist but after he fell he was stabbed and beaten to death. The rioting then tailed off as news of his death spread.
14. The murder of Stephen Lawrence and the Macpherson Report
Neville Lawrence, centre, the father of murdered black teenager Stephen Lawrence, walks through police officers to speak to the media outside the Old Bailrey after Gary Dobson and David Norris were sentenced for their part in the murder ASSOCIATED PRESS
On April 22, 1993, teenager Stephen Lawrence was murdered as he waited for a bus by a gang of racist youths.
In the initial investigation, five suspects were arrested and released without charge.
It was soon evident that the handling of the case by the police and the Crown Prosecution Service was affected by race.
In 1999 the 350 page Macpherson Report was published and concluded the investigation had been “marred by a combination of professional incompetence, institutional racism and a failure of leadership”.
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A total of 70 recommendations designed to show “zero tolerance” for racism in society were made.
They included measures to transform the attitudes of the police and also improve accountability in the civil service, NHS, judiciary and other public bodies.
One of the biggest changes in the report was the abolition of the “double jeopardy” rule, which stated someone cannot be tried for the crime twice. This eventually led to the retrial and successful conviction of Gary Dobson and David Norris for Lawrence’s murder.
15. Mark Duggan and the 2011 riots
Mark Duggan PA
England erupted in a series of riots on August 4, 2011, following protests in Tottenham, north London, over the death of Mark Duggan, a 29-year-old Black man who was shot and killed by police.
The evening started off as a peaceful protest organised by friends and family. However, the group demanded to see a more senior officer to come out speak to them.
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During that night, several violent clashes ensued. Looting started in Tottenham and over the course of a few hours spread to the surrounding areas like Hackney, Walthamstow and Enfield, as well as elsewhere in the capital: Battersea, Croydon, Brixton, Peckham and Ealing.
The rioting and looting continued and started to spread across the country from August 8 to 10, with disturbances in Birmingham, Bristol, Coventry, Derby, Leicester, Liverpool, Manchester, Nottingham, West Bromwich and Wolverhampton.
Interestingly, the racial make-up of rioters varied in different cities: 76% per cent of those arrested in Manchester were white, while 39% arrested in London were Black.
16. Windrush Scandal
Almost half-a-million people, known as the Windrush Generation, moved from the Caribbean to the UK between 1948 and 1973. Many took up jobs in the NHS or in other sectors affected by the post-war labour shortages. Anyone who arrived before 1973 was given indefinite leave to remain.
The scandal surfaced in 2017 after it was revealed that hundreds of people had been unfairly targeted, wrongly detained and sometimes deported against a backdrop of the government’s “hostile environment” policy for undocumented migrants.
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Because many arrived as children on their parents’ passports, and the Home Office destroyed thousands of records, they lacked the documentation to prove their right to remain in the UK. The Home Office also placed the burden of proof on individuals to prove they arrived before 1973.
Their harmful and unjust treatment provoked widespread condemnation of the government’s failings, with calls being made for radical reform of the Home Office and the UK’s immigration policy.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--Watch Live: Matt Hancock Leads Downing Street Press Briefing

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Watch Live: Matt Hancock Leads Downing Street Press Briefing
Health secretary Matt Hancock hosts the daily coronavirus conference following the announcement that lockdown measures will be reviewed every four weeks - instead of every three - under new government plans. The change means coronavirus rules will stay in place for longer.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--Jacob Rees-Mogg Forces MPs Into 'Absurd' Giant Socially Distanced Queue To Vote

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Jacob Rees-Mogg has forced MPs into a giant socially distanced queue to vote on whether to end the “hybrid” parliament that allows remote voting during the coronavirus pandemic.
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The spectacle, dubbed the “Mogg conga”, came despite Tory disquiet at the Commons leader’s plans to force MPs back to Westminster if they want to vote, while maintaining social distancing.
The first example of the “absurd” new rules saw MPs snaking out of the Commons and into the adjacent Westminster Hall in a queue believed to be up to a kilometre long, before walking into the chamber and telling Commons speaker Lindsay Hoyle how they were voting.
Other MPs were forced to form a queue stretching to Portcullis House, which is on the other side of Westminster Bridge to the historic Palace of Westminster, which contains the Commons.
Labour MP Ian Byrne dubbed the proceedings “batshit”.
But after around 40 minutes of MPs queuing while social distancing, Rees-Mogg won the key vote rejecting an amendment, which would have restored remote voting, by 242 votes to 185, majority of 57.
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It means Commons votes will continue in the same fashion for the foreseeable future despite a significant Tory rebellion of dozens of MPs.
MPs joining the new queue to vote in a socially distanced way. pic.twitter.com/1AgWglRWw4 — Toby Perkins (@tobyperkinsmp) June 2, 2020
Here’s a wider perspective of the same arrangement pic.twitter.com/CuAzSjKlfq — Toby Perkins (@tobyperkinsmp) June 2, 2020
BREAKING: the MP queue for the mother of all parliament is “WORLD BREAKING” (12 mins in and we haven’t even got out of the portcullis cafeteria yet...) pic.twitter.com/S5OWcCSHdr — Daisy Cooper MP 🔶 (@libdemdaisy) June 2, 2020
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This is what the Jacob Rees Mogg conga looks like - as MPs traipse through House to visibly vote pic.twitter.com/7tqVB6PoNm — lisa o'carroll (@lisaocarroll) June 2, 2020
The utter madness of this charade is that as well as putting lives at risk, it may result in a democratic process which excludes 100s of MPs shielding having the ability to participate.
I hope Parliament brings Mogg to his senses and halts his batshit ideology. pic.twitter.com/amli9DMERL — lan Byrne MP (@IanByrneMP) June 2, 2020
Rees-Mogg defied warnings from MPs and the independent Equality and Human Rights Commission, which said his plans “significantly disadvantage” those who are shielding or self-isolating because they are vulnerable to Covid-19 due to age, disability, health conditions or pregnancy, as well as those dealing with travel restrictions and caring responsibility.
As MPs debated the measures, Labour’s Chris Bryant compared the new voting system to queues for rides at Alton Towers, and asked if Rees-Mogg had ever been.
The Commons leader replied: “Indeed, yes I have, I took my sister Annunziata there many years ago.
“Enough of my reminisces because it is important that we protect, preserve, prioritise our parliamentary democracy – it has to continue regardless of the disease that is afflicting the nation.”
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Ex-cabinet minister and procedure committee chair Karen Bradley led Tory criticism of Rees-Mogg’s plans, which she said were “far from optimal”.
She also also highlighted a conversation that she had with Conservative MP Robert Halfon, who was advised by his doctor that he must not attend parliament for health reasons.
“The idea that we decide today to disenfranchise him completely seems to me to be absurd,” Bradley said.
Tory ex-chancellor Sajid Javid was also among the critics, urging the government to “think again”.
I'm pleased that Parliament is physically returning.
But I cannot understand why MPs genuinely affected by COVID-19 - such as those shielding, self-isolating, caring - are unable to vote by proxy.
I hope government thinks again. — Sajid Javid (@sajidjavid) June 2, 2020
For Labour, shadow Commons leader Valerie Vaz questioned if Rees-Mogg was “living in another universe” as the Covid-19 pandemic is ongoing.
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Vaz also asked whether a risk assessment had been conducted for Black, Asian, and minority ethnic (BAME) parliamentary staff required back on the estate, who are more at risk of dying from coronavirus than their white counterparts.
She asked: “Can he guarantee that members and House staff are going to be safe? It may be Covid-19 secure but there is movement... we could be silent spreaders.
“What the leader of the House is proposing is discriminatory – the Equality and Human Rights Commission has said so.”
Rees-Mogg said the government “will of course” look at whether there are faster ways for votes to take place.
But he insisted: “It is important for votes to be physical because we are coming here together as a single parliament and we are voting on things that have a major effect on people’s lives, every piece of legislation affects people’s lives in one way or another.”
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thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--Why Grindr Removing Its Ethnicity Filter Is A Complex Issue

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Queer dating app Grindr has announced it will remove its ethnicity filter available to premium users as a response to the developments over the Black Lives Matter movement.
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The function allows for paying users of the app to filter people by ethnicity. In a statement posted on Twitter, a spokesperson for the app said: “We will not be silent. Black Lives Matter.”
“We stand in solidarity of the #BlackLivesMatter movement and the hundreds of thousands of queer people of colour who log into our app every day. As part of this commitment, and based on your feedback, we have decided to remove the ethnicity filter from our next release.”
While some have criticised Grindr for years over the filter – and are pleased to see it go – others argue that it’s the best way to enable people of colour to be visible, especially in majority white communities.
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Critics also believe the issue runs deeper than the action of deleting a preference filter.
Both camps have shared their thoughts on social media.
Some believe the filter should have been deleted years ago
Everyone celebrating Grindr removing the ethnicity filter as if Grindr didn’t have an ethnicity filter for 11 FUCKIN YEARS — Harrison Buikstra (@hbkstr) June 2, 2020
Grindr removes ethnicity filter, finally.
Why wasn’t feedback enough?
Why did it have to take a filmed murder of a Black man and a national outrage to reach this decision? Do better.#BlackLivesMatter https://t.co/PmLZNZAHlT — Prithwijit Sarkar, PhD (@royalprithwi) June 1, 2020
The gay hookup app Grindr has finally removed its "ethnicity filter" This is huge for gay men of Color. This filter would let you block entire races you didn't want to view or receive messages from them. — Patrick Salazar #BlackLivesMatter (@PodrickATX) June 1, 2020
But others say losing the filter will further erase people of colour
It's sad that we live in a world that @Grindr 's Ethnicity Filter has to exist but it is necessary. Let the racists be able to filter me out, it is for my own good: I don't wanna have potentially hurtful interactions with them. https://t.co/2lnJHIWH9F — Arinze Ifeakandu (@Ary_Ifeakandu) June 2, 2020
I think @Grindr decision to remove the ethnicity filter is as rediculous as their lack of understanding of racism on the platform. Black people want to use the filter and that’s the only reason we pay for the extra. I think you should reconsider. — Danielsamray (@dsamray) June 2, 2020
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Sorry but don't celebrate Grindr removing the ethnicity filter when it's one of the very few ways Queer People of Colour can find eachother. This will only further isolate QPoC that don't live in diverse areas. A very poor decision. https://t.co/bgsrb556B0 — Neal (@neeyulll) June 2, 2020
Twitter user Alexander Leon, an LGBT+ rights activist with nearly 16,000 followers, shared a poll asking users what they thought about the decision.
At the time of writing, the 350 votes showed 53% believe it’s a “good thing”, 13% say it’s a “bad thing”, and 34% say “it’s complicated”.
Seen a lot of discussion about this, so curious to hear from the timeline.
QPOC who use Grindr - do you think removing the ethnicity filter is a good thing or a bad thing? — Alexander Leon (@alexand_erleon) June 2, 2020
Dr Reenee Singh, from the Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice, supports the decision from Grindr, and says “we need to recognise and respect differences while ensuring this process does not create divisions”.
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Speaking to HuffPost UK, she says: “In the wake of the recent tragic events in the US, I applaud Grindr’s decision to show solidarity with Black Lives Matter, by removing the ethnicity filter.”
However, she acknowledges that it’s a complex issue, as she fears its removal could reinforce prejudices against people of colour. Ethnicity should not be conflated with preference, Dr Singh adds. “Could doing away with the ethnicity [filter] render cultural and ethnic differences invisible?” she asks.
“Could doing away with the ethnicity preference render cultural and ethnic differences invisible?” - Dr Reenee Singh, psychotherapist
Dr Singh continues: “As contemporary debates over the high proportion of those from Black and minority ethnic groups affected by Covid-19 demonstrate, cultural and ethnic diversity are complex issues and we need to adopt a ‘both-and’ position.”
‘Both - and,’ she explains, is a term she uses in psychotherapy. “For issues of race, ethnicity and culture, it means we do not want to discriminate against others on the basis of their ethnic differences, but that if we deny this difference, we could also inadvertently be denying their experiences of racism.”
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She adds: “So it’s about acknowledging difference and diversity without discriminating on the basis of such differences.”
When HuffPost UK contacted Grindr for comment they weren’t able to respond to the concern that the removal of the filter will make it harder for minority groups to meet or communicate with one another.
They said the removal of the filter should be reflected in users’ apps by Monday 8 June and that users may need to update their current app to see changes.
Their statement read: “Racism has no place in our community. To help do our part, we have decided to remove the ethnicity filter from the Grindr app. Once the filter is removed, users will no longer be able to filter profiles by ethnicity. We thank all of those that have provided feedback. We listened and we will continue to fight racism on Grindr, both through dialogue with our community and a zero-tolerance policy for hate speech on our platform.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--BAME People Are More Likely To Die Of Coronavirus Than White People

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Black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) people are more likely to die of coronavirus than their white counterparts, an official report has found.
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Public Health England (PHE) research suggested people of Bangladeshi ethnicity were twice as likely to die as those who are white British.
People of Chinese, Indian, Pakistani, other Asian, Caribbean and other Black ethnicities had a 10% to 50% higher risk of death than those of white British ethnicity.
The findings are adjusted for age, sex, deprivation and region, meaning that even with disparities in those factors between ethnic groups there is still a difference in mortality rate.
But PHE stressed that the research did not account for the effect of occupation, existing conditions (comorbidities) or obesity.
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“These are important factors because they are associated with the risk of acquiring Covid-19, the risk of dying, or both,” the report said.
“Other evidence has shown that when comorbidities are included, the difference in risk of death among hospitalised patients is greatly reduced.”
The report was published with ministers under pressure amid reports it could be delayed due to the Black Lives Matter protests against racism in the United States and solidarity movements around the world.
Number of deaths of people who had a positive Covid-19 test in England, by ethnicity Public Health England
The report also found that those at higher risk included:
Those over 80, who were 70 times more likely to die than under-40s
Men
People in the most deprived areas, who were more than twice as likely to die as those from the least deprived areas
People in deprived areas “may” be more at risk of infection because they live closer together, or because they live in places that contain a higher proportion of workers in jobs more likely to be exposed to the virus, the report said.
But “further investigation” is needed on the role of underlying health conditions in people from deprived areas, who are more likely to die even after adjusting for ethnicity, the report said.
There was also a “particularly high increase” in all-cause deaths – that is deaths in the population for any reason – during the Covid-19 pandemic among:
Those born outside UK and Ireland - with the biggest increases coming in people from central and western Africa, the Caribbean, south east Asia, the Middle East
and south and eastern Africa
and south and eastern Africa Those in caring occupations, including social care and nursing auxiliaries and assistants
Taxi drivers and chauffeurs
Security guards and related occupations
Care homes
Furthermore, there were 54 men and 13 women diagnosed with Covid-19 with no fixed abode, who are likely to be rough sleepers.
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PHE estimated that this represents 2% and 1.5% of the known
population of women and men who experienced rough sleeping in 2019, suggesting a much higher infection rate in rough sleepers compared to the general population.
Health secretary Matt Hancock said equalities minister Kemi Badenoch would be “leading” on work with PHE to “further understand” impact of Covid-19.
In the Commons, he said: “People are understandably angry about injustices. And as health secretary I feel a deep responsibly because this pandemic has exposed huge disparities in the health of our nation.
“It is very clear some people are significantly more vulnerable to Covid-19.
“This is something I am determined to understand in full and take acton to address.”
The analysis did not take into account jobs, an “important shortcoming” given that some key occupations have a higher proportion of workers from BAME groups.
But the higher BAME death rates were the “opposite of what is seen in previous years”, when deaths were lower in Asian and Black ethnic groups compared to white groups.
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The report said BAME people were “likely” to be at higher risk of infection because they are more likely to live in urban or deprived areas, overcrowded households, or have jobs that expose them to have a higher risk.
BAME groups are also more likely than those of white ethnicity to be born abroad, meaning they may face cultural or language barriers in accessing services, the report said.
Some existing conditions which could increase the risk of death are also more common among certain ethnic groups.
The report said people people of Bangladeshi and Pakistani background have higher rates of cardiovascular disease than white people, and people of Black Caribbean and Black African ethnicity have higher rates of hypertension compared with other ethnic groups.
Data from the National Diabetes Audit suggests that type II diabetes is more prevalent in people from BAME communities, PHE found.
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Comparing to previous years, deaths from all causes was four times higher than
expected among Black males for this period, almost three times higher in Asian males and almost two times higher in White males.
Among females, deaths were almost three times higher in this period in Black, mixed and other ethnic groups.
Deaths were 2.4 times higher in Asian females compared with 1.6 times in white females.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--A Brief Guide To Donald Trump's 'Hypocritical' And Self-Serving Stance On Protesters

President Trump last night threatened to stamp out the ongoing protests sparked by the police killing of George Floyd using “thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers” to “quickly solve the problem”.
Speaking from the White House Rose Garden as crowds gathered in every state of the US in anger at the death of yet another unarmed black man at the hands of police, he said: “Mayors and governors must establish an overwhelming law enforcement presence until the violence has been quelled.
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“If a city or state refuses to take the actions that are necessary to defend the life and property of their residents, then I will deploy the United States military and quickly solve the problem for them.
“As we speak, I am dispatching thousands and thousands of heavily armed soldiers, military personnel and law enforcement officers to stop the rioting, looting, vandalism, assaults and the wanton destruction of property.”
In Michigan, Trump called them "very good people." https://t.co/lTg5FPY3X8 In Charlottesville, they were "very fine people." https://t.co/7iNvg3JRQ8 But when they protest against police brutality and racism, they are "terrorists." #TrumpPrinciples https://t.co/16PS5B8gzy pic.twitter.com/mbQ0rnUVF1 — Kenneth Roth (@KenRoth) June 2, 2020
Immediately afterwards, peaceful protesters near the White House were dispersed using tear gas and rubber bullets so that Trump could pose with a Bible outside a church.
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These scenes in what claims to be the world’s leading democracy were condemned by many, with New York governor Andrew Cuomo describing them as “shameful”.
The president is calling out the American military against American citizens.
He used the military to push out a peaceful protest so he could have a photo op at a church.
It's all just a reality TV show for this president.
Shameful. — Andrew Cuomo (@NYGovCuomo) June 1, 2020
Kristyan Benedict, Amnesty International UK’s Syria campaign manager, told HuffPost UK: “This call for the military is the kind of thing you’d see in a dictatorship.
“Trump’s an authoritarian, there’s no doubt about that, and I think what we saw yesterday were his instincts being given a global platform.
“He’s found his moment to put into practice those authoritarian instincts that he’s long displayed and he’s long-talked about, even before he was president.”
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In March 1990, Trump was being interviewed by Playboy magazine when the topic of protests came up. Referring to the Tiananmen Square massacre the year before, in which as many as 10,000 demonstrators were killed by Chinese troops, he said: “When the students poured into Tiananmen Square, the Chinese government almost blew it. Then they were vicious, they were horrible, but they put it down with strength.
“That shows you the power of strength. Our country is right now perceived as weak, [...] as being spit on by the rest of the world.”
Since making these comments, Trump’s stance on protesters has followed a predictable pattern – if they’re for Trump’s interests they’re good, if they’re against Trump’s interest’s they’re bad.
For instance, earlier this year Trump made an impassioned plea to the leaders of longtime US rival Iran to respect the democratic rights of protesters, saying: “The USA is watching.”
To the leaders of Iran - DO NOT KILL YOUR PROTESTERS. Thousands have already been killed or imprisoned by you, and the World is watching. More importantly, the USA is watching. Turn your internet back on and let reporters roam free! Stop the killing of your great Iranian people! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 12, 2020
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“When it comes to perceived enemies of the US like Iran, it’s hypocrisy and we see this with a lot of politicians particularly on the right,” says Benedict.
Trump has taken a similar stance on the pro-democracy protests in Hong Kong, encouraging dialogue between China’s leaders and demonstrators – in stark contrast to the current unrest in the US.
There's always a tweet https://t.co/eHl58m0vQ1 — Alex Ward (@AlexWardVox) June 2, 2020
Closer to home, in 2011 Trump appeared to have no issue with protesters gathering at the White House when Barack Obama was inside.
If the Wall Street protesters are upset about the economy then they should really be protesting @BarackObama at the White House. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 14, 2011
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And in 2018 during Trump’s hugely controversial appointment of Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court, those demonstrating in his favour constituted a “beautiful thing to see”.
Women for Kavanaugh, and many others who support this very good man, are gathering all over Capitol Hill in preparation for a 3-5 P.M. VOTE. It is a beautiful thing to see - and they are not paid professional protesters who are handed expensive signs. Big day for America! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 6, 2018
In contrast, Trump has repeatedly asserted that anyone protesting against him are “paid” or “professional” protesters.
Just had a very open and successful presidential election. Now professional protesters, incited by the media, are protesting. Very unfair! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 11, 2016
And just last month, Trump appeared to have no problem when white protestors – many armed with semi-automatic weapons – stormed Michigan State House and refused to leave.
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Funny how black people that are angry about being killed do not receive the same treat https://t.co/vvcVnT1aot — BLM ACAB (@weclimbedwalls) June 2, 2020
How Trump’s view of the current protests affects how he deals with the volatile situation in the US remains to be seen but the violence is escalating with no sign of ending any time soon.
“He has the means at his disposal to put this authoritarian vision he has for the US into practice. It is troubling,” says Benedict.
″People shouldn’t rule it out, I know that might sound outlandish but the US has a long history of supporting brutal authoritarianism and Trump clearly admires authoritarian leaders like Putin and it does seem like he wants to bring that home.
“And it will be upon to others within the US political system and allies including the UK to put some brakes on that and give some wise counsel to make sure this slide into authoritarianism doesn’t go any further.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--A Minute Of Kindness: Man Teaches Spanish To The Neighbours In Lockdown

A Minute Of Kindness: Man Teaches Spanish To The Neighbours In Lockdown
Alberto Salas arrived in London from Mexico six months ago to work as a Spanish professor at Greenwich University. However, due to coronavirus, his classes were suspended. Stuck in the UK with nothing to do, he offered lessons on a social networking service, to see if his neighbours would be interested in learning. He soon received messages from locals in Lewisham and started teaching them via Skype for free.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--I’m An MP, And My Wife’s Carer. Bringing Back Parliament Forces Me Into An Impossible Choice

In this file photo dated Friday, May 1, 2020, a man stands with his bike, wearing a protective mask to protect against coronavirus, on the south bank of the River Thames, against the backdrop of the Houses of Parliament, in London. ASSOCIATED PRESS
For me, an abiding image of this coronavirus pandemic is of my nearly three-year-old granddaughter, Isla, staring in astonishment at Grandpa speaking on the telly, while she knew for a fact that he was just next door under the stairs.
The ‘virtual Parliament’ worked. I made a big speech about how we must ensure that the Highlands tourism industry survives the pandemic – and a few days before I asked a question about a young couple in Sutherland whose small business had fallen through the cracks in the floorboards and were receiving no financial help at all.
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It wasn’t perfect. I couldn’t say “Would the Rt Hon gentleman give way?” and then make an intervention – a House of Commons technique that can be highly successful in getting your point across – but it did mean that I could represent my constituents, their needs and concerns in this incredibly difficult time, and then vote accordingly online.
Now I am going to talk of something I normally keep very private.
My wife has been disabled for 21 years, and I am her carer. However during lockdown the usual care arrangements are not really possible. But because of that same lockdown, it meant that I was at home to take over the care duties myself.
“While my constituents tell me that they absolutely understand why I don’t want to risk bringing the virus North, I believe that they deserve full-blooded representation at all times”
Along with the virtual Parliament, I was able to multitask covering both private and MP duties.
Until now.
Now Jacob Rees-Mogg, the Leader of the House of Commons, and the Government want to close down the Virtual Parliament. If the Government gets its way, all the MPs from all over the UK who made full use of it previously are now going to have to physically return to the House of Commons to contribute to debates and vote.
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This leaves me with one hell of a choice.
If the Government motion passes, I shall have to choose between either leaving home and my wife and going to Westminster for a possibly indefinite period (rather than travel back and forth and possibly bring the virus to a part of the UK that has hitherto been relatively unaffected) or stay put at home, look after my wife, and in effect be a ‘second class’ MP.
While my constituents tell me that they absolutely understand why I don’t want to risk bringing the virus North, I believe that they deserve full-blooded representation at all times.
This is why I find the Government proposal to be both undemocratic and very possibly a breach of my role as described in the MPs’ handbook which was given to me when I was first elected.
Why is Rees-Mogg so keen on this? Is he anxious to stuff MPs in behind Boris Johnson? To cheer him on at PMQs? I think most would agree that so far his performances have not been exactly brilliant. Or is it about an old-fashioned fear of any kind of change? He is yet to provide an answer.
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For democracy to function properly, wherever people live in the UK, they must be confident that their elected representative will have a strong voice and will speak up without fear or favour in their interests.
If that relationship is eroded in the way that the Government seems to want to, then confidence in the system is damaged and democracy is the lesser for it.
One thing out of this sorry saga that may be a positive sign is the number of MPs in all parties who are saying very clearly to the Government: ‘Whatever message does this proposal send to the disabled and their carers?’.
When we have beaten the pandemic, I very much hope that the House of Commons will retain the mechanism to enable elected Members to sometimes go virtual and fully contribute should they need it.
We never again want to see the shocking scenes of very sick MPs being physically brought to the House of Commons to vote during the Maastricht debates that bedevilled John Major’s Government.
All Members of Parliament who care about individuals having equal rights, regardless of who or where they are, must vote against this Government’s proposal.
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Jamie Stone is the Lib Dem MP for Caithness, Sutherland and Easter Ross. Follow him on Twitter at @Jamie4North


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--UK Records 324 More Coronavirus Deaths In 24 Hours As Latest Care Home Data Released

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The number of people who have died in the UK after testing positive for coronavirus has risen to 39,369 – an increase of 324 over 24 hours.
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Since the end of April, the government’s daily announcement has included people in care homes and the community, rather than just in hospital, who have died.
But only those who had tested positive for Covid-19 are included, meaning anyone who died with a suspected case won’t be recorded.
The figures cover the period up to 5pm on June 1.
It comes after the number of people who have died in hospitals across the UK, as well as care homes in Wales, after contracting the virus rose by 164 in 24 hours.
That increase consisted of 143 deaths in England, 12 in Scotland, two in Northern Ireland, and seven in Wales.
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Meanwhile, as of 9am on Tuesday, 4,615,146 people have been tested for coronavirus, with 277,985 coming back positive.
This is a breaking news story and will be updated. Follow HuffPost UK on Twitter here, and on Facebook here.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--Alison Hammond Delivers Emotional Speech On This Morning: 'When Black Lives Matter, Then All Lives W

Alison Hammond Delivers Emotional Speech On This Morning: 'When Black Lives Matter, Then All Lives Will Matter'

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This Morning favourite Alison Hammond has given a tearful speech in support of Black Lives Matter, urging those offended by the movement’s name to “look inside themselves”.
On Tuesday, an emotional Alison was interviewed from home by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby about #BlackOutTuesday, an organised break from social media intended to give people time to educate themselves on issues relating to racism and the Black community.
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#BlackOutTuesday was put together as a result of the death of George Floyd, who died last week at the hands of a police officer who had been kneeling on his neck, while he said he couldn’t breathe.
Alison touched on Floyd’s death during the interview, speaking candidly about how it had affected her personally.
Alison in the This Morning studio earlier this year S Meddle/ITV/Shutterstock
“I’m getting emotional already,” she said. “I’m a mother to a 15-year-old Black boy. So… when I saw that image of George Floyd I saw my brothers, I saw my father, I saw my son. I saw everybody’s son. And I was disgusted to my core. And it hurt me to the pit of my stomach to think that this is 2020, and we’re seeing that.
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“Let’s be honest, this has been going on forever. My whole life, my mum’s life, my father’s life, everybody’s lives. And I believe this movement, Black Lives Matter, is so very important, and it’s so wonderful when I see my white and Asian brothers and sisters standing by Black Lives Matter. Because it means they understand – they can’t understand fully, but they understand what we are going through as a Black people.”
She continued: “And don’t get offended when I say ‘Black people’. Because I’m not trying to offend white people. If you are offended by it, then you need to look within yourself.
“Just know, it’s just a basic goodness. Appeal to your basic instinct of goodness. You know? It’s not about All Lives Matter, obviously we know that. It’s all about the fact that if Black lives mattered, we wouldn’t be in this situation now. So when Black lives matter, then all lives will matter.”
The clip has already been widely shared on social media, with many praising Alison for speaking so openly…
Alison Hammond has made myself and countless others; laugh, feel joy and momentarily forget about our worries. So Please listen to her words now pic.twitter.com/7pYG5gC00Q — Scott (@scottgayham) June 2, 2020
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Such a strong speech from Alison Hammond. "When black lives matter, then all lives will matter." https://t.co/6Kz2zLQ2gt — Emma Rushton (@ERushton) June 2, 2020
Big love to Alison Hammond for also sharing her pain with us today pic.twitter.com/VRI35RT46z — Mike J-C 🏳🌈 (@MikeJ_C) June 2, 2020
Alison Hammond is a queen. https://t.co/RJNwlPzJM2 — Richard 🏳🌈 (@minceystrider) June 2, 2020
Some of us don’t speak about our experiences of racism in the UK. But it is alive and well in Britain & it’s not going away. It’s evident in glass ceilings. It’s evident in work allocation.
Those who know it feel it
Thank you for speaking up Alison Hammond pic.twitter.com/dnz1ETUNY6 — 🇬🇧 Bridgette York 💙#ProtectAllWorkers #GetMePPE (@YorkLawLondon) June 2, 2020
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Alison Hammond is a national treasure and we need more of her on TV ❤❤❤ — Glen Whitcroft (@GlenWhitcroft) June 2, 2020
I couldn't love Alison Hammond anymore if I tried https://t.co/NtLvri1juK — meg (@_____meg) June 2, 2020
“I was sat on my sofa crying, angry, confused, and also knowing stuck at the news… stuck at the news of yet another brutalised Black body,” Clara said.
“Knowing how the world enjoys Blackness, and seeing what happened to George, we, Black people, get the feeling that people want our culture, but they do not want us. In other words, you want my talent, but you don’t want me.
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“There is a false idea that racism – and in this case anti-Blackness – is just name-calling and physical violence, when it is more insidious than that.
“One of my favourite thinkers is a woman called Amanda Seales, and she says this and I feel it deeply, when she says ‘you cannot enjoy the rhythm and ignore the blues’. And I say that with my chest.”


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--John Boyega Applauded For Shutting Down Claim He’s Using His Platform To ‘Spout Hate Against White P

John Boyega Applauded For Shutting Down Claim He’s Using His Platform To ‘Spout Hate Against White People’

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John Boyega fans have shown their support for the star after he fired back at one Twitter user following the death of George Floyd.
The Star Wars actor has been vocal on social media about the racism faced by Black people, particularly following the tragic death of the 46-year-old in the US last week.
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But while John has received huge support for his posts, one of his followers accused the British star of “jumping on the bandwagon”.
“You are not even American,” they wrote. “As disgusting, sad and bad as it was with #GeorgeFloyd you just using excuse to spout hate against White people.”
John Boyega David M. Benett via Getty Images
John wrote back around an hour later: “Yet I have family and friends there who could be any one of the victims of things don’t change. Yet I work there 6 months of the year and I don’t want to work in fear.”
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“You don’t know a thing about me,” John added. “So keep your dutty mouth shut.”
Yet I have family and friends there who could be any one of the victims of things don’t change. Yet I work there 6 months of the year and I don’t want to work in fear. You don’t know a thing about me. So keep your dutty mouth shut. — John Boyega (@JohnBoyega) June 1, 2020
His response was met with praise by many of his fans on Twitter:
I stand by you brother — Johnny Ortiz (@major_payne31) June 1, 2020
Thank you. Keep fighting for change. — Ricardo Lundi (@ricardodpm) June 2, 2020
🤣🤣 do you know who you’re talking to?!?!?! You’re talking to a man who made a Star Wars film and people were mad about it! Why? Because of the color of his skin! You don’t think he has a right to say something about this!?!?! Just amazing 🤯🤦🏻♀🤦🏻♀🤦🏻♀🤦🏻♀ — Natally Perez (@natlovesyou1217) June 2, 2020
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Last week, John made headlines when he tweeted that he “fucking hates racists”, and received an alarming amount of criticism from his followers, from those lambasting his choice of language or pointing out that racism affects many communities.
Doubling down on his original comments, John then went live on Instagram, stating: “A Black man was just murdered in cold blood in the streets Stateside. Again. While saying that he can’t breathe.
“That’s a continuous cycle going on and although I don’t live in the States, brother, I’m Black. Fuck that. So I’ll say it again, fuck you racist white people. I said what I said. And if you don’t fucking like it, go suck a dick. Seriously.
“It’s not about career, it’s not about money, ’cause a lot of people like to bring that up… all those things were just a part of my dream. A part of working. That’s got nothing to do with how you treat people. It’s a madness.”
John Boyega on Instagram live and dragging the hell out of white racists. this is what I live for! pic.twitter.com/nQytbhnzM7 — c (@chuuzus) May 27, 2020
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Since Floyd’s death, mass protests have broken out all over the world against police brutality, and in support of the Black Lives Matter movement.
A number of stars have spoken out in support of the protests, including Beyoncé and Adele, the latter of whom shared a post on Instagram earlier this week.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-02--Exclusive: Labour Is Losing Black Members Over Allegations Of Anti-Black Racism

As UK authorities battle to contain the Covid-19 outbreak, Labour Party voters are still reeling from the aftermath of a leaked Labour report that has fuelled allegations of anti-Black racism at the heart of the party – and many have told HuffPost UK that they now feel “politically homeless”.
The 860-page report was drafted in March and leaked in April, while Jeremy Corbyn was leader of the Labour Party, and was to be part of the party’s submission to an ongoing investigation by the Equality and Human Rights Commission into anti-Semitism.
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The document, which contained private WhatsApp conversations, includes claims of a “litany of mistakes, deficiencies, and missed opportunities” to adequately address anti-Semitism within the party. However, it also did something else that was not on the tin: raised grave concerns of anti-Black racism, otherwise referred to as Afriphobia, which campaigners argue have not been adequately addressed by the party’s leadership. Labour officials used a string of insults in private WhatsApp groups to describe senior Black MPs and officials including Diane Abbott, Dawn Butler and Clive Lewis, the lengthy document revealed. Abbott is referred to as “repulsive”, with another official saying she “literally makes me sick”.
Black Labour Cancellations Supplied
The Hackney MP, who was found by a study to be subject to nearly half the abusive tweets sent to female MPs, was also described as an “angry woman” – a racist trope – by a Labour colleague.
Clive Lewis is referred to in one message by a member of Labour staff as “the biggest cunt out of the lot” during a discussion about the Progressive Alliance campaign – a cross-party alliance that supported tactical voting, which Lewis had publicly backed.
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On May 1, it emerged that Labour’s ruling national executive committee (NEC) had appointed a four-person panel to investigate the leaked report.
This will be headed up by leading Black barrister Martin Forde QC and three Labour peer panellists: Debbie Wilcox, a former leader of Newport City Council; Larry Whitty, a former Labour Party general secretary; and Ruth Lister, an emeritus professor of social policy at Loughborough University.
Legal claims against the Labour Party covering the Data Protection Act, invasion of privacy, and libel are all being considered by individuals and entities named in the file.
Peter Macdiarmid via Getty Images
Meanwhile, the leaked report saw swift condemnation from critics of the party on social media. But not only did it “break the internet” – for a number of Black voters it meant it was time to part ways with the party. For many, this scandal is the latest let-down in a long list of concerns around Blackness and the Labour Party such as lack of representation. Though the party has long been the one of choice for many Black people from working class backgrounds, could there now be an exodus?
“The leaked Labour report has made me incredibly sad,” Naz Hamdi, 18, told HuffPost UK.
“The Black vote isn’t a lot in this country anyway – but in metropolitan cities like London is it incredibly important. For a party that boasts of progressive politics and has been pretty successful in backing up those claims, to regress has left a lot of Black people like myself politically homeless.”
Naz had tried to join the Labour Party before the leadership contest through a desire to vote for Rebecca Long-Bailey – though a technical issue meant she wasn’t able to.
But now the student, who lives in Brighton, said she “feels no desire” to participate in another election. This is owing, in part, to what she describes as poor treatment of Diane Abbott, a politician she admires and who represents constituents in the area she’s originally from.
“I think Diane has been treated appallingly during her time as MP and the most shocking part is her peers in the Labour Party being so involved in tarnishing her [from information published in the leaked report].
“She has inspired many Black women in the country; she’s a trailblazer and the first Black female MP, which a huge achievement in itself.
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“It is has been constant character assassination, from her colleagues tipping off journalists about her crying in the toilet after being on the receiving end of abuse – to [MPs] such as Jess Phillips and Wes Streeting treating her so badly in plain sight. Her colleagues should’ve done a better job in safeguarding her, but instead they were doing everything they could to undermine her.”
Naz Hamdi Supplied
The report contained WhatsApp conversations that fuelled concerns around treatment of senior Black, female politicians.
HuffPost UK put these to Labour, and the party pointed to the internal review it is carrying out in the wake of the leak. It said it was “committed to challenging and campaigning against racism, within the party and the country”.
When Abbott was found crying in the toilets in the wake of racial abuse in 2017, two staff members claimed in a private discussion to have told a journalist of her whereabouts – one with a “wink” emoji.
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Further down in the document, two female staff members made disparaging remarks about Dawn Butler’s promotion to shadow women and equalities secretary in a WhatsApp conversation, apparently suggesting that her accusations of racism within the Labour Party were untrue.
“Did she not accuse the LP and it’s [sic] staff of being racist this week? Nice,” read one.
Following the leaking of the report, a handful of Labour staffers tried to stop the party’s Unite branch from sending letters of solidarity to the Black MPs who were subjected to alleged racist treatment, ITV News revealed last month.
Naz added: “A party that has officials in the party who purposely target Black women, peddle misogynoir and anti-Black sentiment has betrayed the trust of many people. What made it worse was the late response of Keir Starmer and fellow Labour MPs choosing not to comment on the whole report.”
stocknshares via Getty Images
In a joint statement published on April 13, Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner, leader and deputy leader of the Labour Party, acknowledged the leaked document raised “serious concerns”, outlined intentions to order an inquiry into it, and urged readers not to draw “conclusions” before it was complete.
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“We have seen a copy of an apparently internal report about the work of the Labour Party’s Governance and Legal Unit in relation to antisemitism. The content and the release of the report into the public domain raise a number of matters of serious concern,” the statement read.
“I feel like I will always be politically homeless. [...] The UK has always been – and will continue to be – a peddler for anti-Blackness across every institution.” - Ché
“We will therefore commission an urgent independent investigation into this matter. This investigation will be instructed to look at three areas. First, the background and circumstances in which the report was commissioned and the process involved. Second, the contents and wider culture and practices referred to in the report. Third, the circumstances in which the report was put into the public domain.
“In the meantime, we ask everyone concerned to refrain from drawing conclusions before the investigation is complete and we will be asking the General Secretary to put measures in place to protect the welfare of party members and party staff who are concerned or affected by this report.”
Community worker Lucy Martindale joined Labour in 2019, but had supported the party for three years prior.
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“Loads of people I know have left Labour recently – particularly people of colour,” Lucy, 38, told HuffPost UK.
“I had pinned my hope on Jeremy Corbyn winning for a better society for my children and all working class people – and those who are suffering as a result of the past 10 years living in austerity.
“A few years ago, I didn’t even know what politics really meant, if I’m honest. I kept hearing about Corbyn and that’s when I took a big interest and started learning more about it.
“I even considered last year running as a local councillor for Wandsworth, I became really inspired at the possibility of a Labour government in the lead-up to the general election. Now, I’m angry we have the Tories in power, ruining many more lives and there’s nothing we can do about it.”
Lucy Martindale Supplied
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As the election neared in December, figures revealed that Black and ethnic minority voters were backing Corbyn in far higher numbers than the overall electorate.
At the time, more than half (52%) said they could imagine the former Labour leader in Downing Street, according to data by Opinium.
Following Corbyn’s defeat, Lucy decided to stay on to “see what the year will bring along with the new leader” – but cancelled her membership in March 2020 after reading the leaked report.
“I was disgusted but not shocked,” she said. “I’m very aware of the racism that goes on in politics and this country,” she said.
“It made me feel like I no longer want to support a party that has so much ignorant and prejudiced people sitting at the top. It made me angry and disappointed.
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“Then to have Keir Starmer not stand up and call out these people was another huge blow. I believe he was more embarrassed at the report being leaked than the actual report.”
She added: “Labour have let down millions of people. I come from a council estate, grew up poor and I’m not educated. So Labour really was my hope of bettering myself but not any more.
“I’m politically homeless but still on the left. I am not sure where to turn next, so in the meantime I will continue to do my bit to support those vulnerable in my community.”
Ché, 23, told HuffPost UK: “The final straw for me was seeing Dawn Butler get a disgusting lack of votes in the deputy leadership election.
“I never thought she would win seeing how popular Rayner was at the time but, being the most qualified and experienced out of all of the choices, I was horrified.
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“I think I definitely saw a party where, like all over the country, Black people, especially Black women are consistently overlooked, and it made me think of my mother and the stories she would say about where she had worked.”
Dawn Butler pictured earlier this year Christopher Furlong via Getty Images
Ché, who asked us to withhold his surname, lives just outside Birmingham city centre and regularly went out canvassing for Labour in the lead up to the general election.
The public transport worker found it disheartening that the concerns of Black, Asian and minority ethnic people did not seem to matter to those whose homes he entered. It then began to occur to him how much of an uphill battle politics can be for people of colour.
“I came to realise the extent of what rural middle England was actually like during that time,” he said. “I never received direct racial aggression as I went door knocking. However, many [found it] easy to deny, shrug off, or accept the racist aspects of the current government.
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“The concerns of Black and brown people didn’t matter at all. I had then felt that it wasn’t and shouldn’t be my job to go through the mental and emotional labour of telling white people not to vote for a racist and explaining my humanity.”
“There isn’t any focus on anti-Black racism in the party. It suggests to me that there is no real commitment to dealing with these issues.” - Yvonne Witter
Ché joined the party in May 2019 in anticipation of a general election. Though he never fully saw Labour as an anti-racist party and believed it “still had many flaws”, his aim was to help get Jeremy elected because he’d been inspired by his history and policies.
Like others, he left the party after the report was leaked.
“My reaction to the report was one of initial shock. Then, soon after, I was laughing at all the leaks pouring out about the immense amount of self-sabotaging and back-stabbing going on, and it was all just a joke ting,” he said.
“When I then found out about what Dawn and Diane had been through it made me so angry and upset but at the same time it didn’t surprise me.”
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He added: “I am glad I left when I did as I cannot donate money to party that claims to be on our side but completely takes Black people for granted. It is no different to anything I or my family, particularly my mother, has experienced.
“I feel like I will always be politically homeless as I’m further to the left socially and economically on every issue than every party currently operating in this country.
“I feel the UK has always been – and will continue to be – a peddler for anti-Blackness across every institution.”
Mahmoud Supplied
“Do you remember how leadership was, rightfully, united to protect pregnant Luciana Berger against abuse? Who is doing the same for Abbott or Butler?”
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Londoner Mahmoud Junju is telling HuffPost UK why he cancelled his Labour membership last month after almost a decade.
Though he wasn’t surprised about the contents of the leaked report, Mahmoud described it as “damning” and finds the silence of the upper echelons of the party worrying.
“The findings exposed anti-Blackness in the party – especially towards Black Labour MPs like Auntie Abbott. She’s one MP who has faced the most abuse in recent British history and we can’t ignore the fact that it’s mainly because she’s a Black woman,” he said.
In recent months, MPs including Florence Eshalomi, Dawn Butler, Bellavia Ribeiro-Addy and Marsha de Cordova have been misidentified by prominent media outlets – the frequency of which lends itself to the racist view that all Black people look the same.
Labour has not openly addressed this or shown solidarity to these politicians.
Instead, these politicians have had to defend themselves and highlight for themselves why these frequent occurrences are problematic through various statements, social media posts and written columns published by the mainstream media.
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Marsha de Cordova was mistaken for Dawn Butler Screenshot
By contrast, the party launched an investigation in February 2019 over allegations that Luciana Berger was being subjected to antisemitic bullying. Labour’s deputy leader, Tom Watson, also defended Berger in the Commons.
While a number of Black voters, including Junjo, feel it is is right that this support was shown to Berger, some have expressed concerns that Afriphobia within the party is not taken as seriously and have drawn comparisons between the two scenarios.
“Almost all corners of British societies have hurled abuse towards Abbott and you’d think the Labour Party and its leadership would protect her at all cost but, nah, they joined in,” Mahmoud continued.
“The anti-Blackness still prevailed in the way the leaked report was suppressed and dismissed by the current leadership. They even went as far as order local party branches not to share it. The people who piled on Butler still have their jobs in Unison; why hasn’t Starmer come out and pressed pressure for them to be fired or at least suspended?
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“I am just glad that an inquiry has been commissioned to put our concerns on record.”
HuffPost UK raised these concerns with party and it explained that its internal review is still being conducted.
The terms of reference for the inquiry specified that the inquiry will investigate the extent of racist, sexist and other discriminatory culture within Labour Party workplaces.
“Almost all corners of British societies have hurled abuse towards Diane Abbott and you’d think the Labour Party and its leadership would protect her at all costs but, nah, they joined in.” - Mahmoud Junju
Like Ché, Mahmoud was out canvassing for Labour every evening after work and found Black people who he joined him were disillusioned with the party.
“Many Black people that I used to canvass with have similar concerns – they feel like the Labour Party does not represent them any more. It used to be the go-to party for ethnic minorities.”
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All allegations of anti-Black racism were put to Labour.
A party spokesperson told HuffPost UK: “The content and the release of the report into the public domain raise a number of matters of serious concern. That is why Keir Starmer and Angela Rayner swiftly launched an urgent independent investigation into this matter.
“The National Executive Committee agreed the terms of reference for the independent investigation into the contents, circumstances and release of this internal report, and appointed Martin Forde QC to lead the investigation. It would not be appropriate to comment further until the independent investigation has concluded.”
The spokesperson added: “The leadership also instructed the then general secretary to put measures in place to protect the welfare of party members and party staff who are concerned or affected by the report.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-03--Tory MP On Race Protests: ‘Arsonists And Looters Have It Coming’

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A Tory MP has sparked outrage after telling a constituent who asked him to condemn Donald Trump’s actions in the wake of George Floyd’s killing that “arsonists and looters have it coming”.
Sir Desmond Swayne, MP for New Forest West in Hampshire, had been asked whether he could support the US after it threatened to send in the military to deal with civil unrest.
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In an email seen by HuffPost UK, he wrote back: “Racism is a cancer, and I’m glad that the perpetrator is on a murder charge. Nevertheless, looters, arsonists and rioters have it coming.”
Other constituents have also reported similar responses from the MP. In another email he wrote: “Arsonists and looters have it coming.”
It comes as UK voters appeal to their MPs to condemn Trump and urge the government to take action.
Floyd died last week after a police officer pressed his knee into his neck for almost nine minutes. His killing sparked protests that have spread across the US and beyond.
I emailed my local MP asking him to condemn Trump’s actions, support BLM / black people in our community and urge the UK government to take action. This was his response to my email ... #BlackLivesMatter pic.twitter.com/1hsEH4BoqB — eleanor (@eleanormaryy) June 2, 2020
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Disgusted by @DesmondSwayne ‘s response to my letter, asking if he will condemn Trump & how he will address racial bias in this pandemic.
He is condoning Trump’s violence & he didn’t even address the 2nd paragraph of my email.
Please share. #BlackLivesMatter #BLM pic.twitter.com/pXekcuNqX6 — mle x (@amthxst) June 2, 2020
After several protests turned violent on Monday, Trump tweeted that he would use the military to restore order if governors did not.
And on Tuesday night in Washington, DC, local and federal law enforcement officials and military police officers were deployed in an overwhelming show of force meant to stamp out demonstrations against police brutality and racism. Protesters marched despite the threat of violence.
Sir Desmond Swayne Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Several of Swayne’s constituents revealed his responses on Twitter, commenting that they were “disgusted”. One described him as “perennially gross”. Some were urged to report him to the parliamentary standards commission.
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Swayne has been contacted for comment.
He also made headlines last year after revealing that he once wore “blackface” to dress up as James Brown and had “no intention of apologising”.
Bookmark this one too. He also refused to apologise for blackface last year, saying it was a “joke” https://t.co/efUDNgZAJA — mle x (@amthxst) June 3, 2020
Taking to his blog, he described it as “an entirely acceptable bit of fun” to dress up as other ethnicities.
Speaking to the Bournemouth Daily Echo, he said he did not understand why people from minority backgrounds might find it offensive, adding: “No one’s complained to me about it.”
Blackface has a history of perpetuating offensive and racist stereotypes of African Americans dating back more than 200 years in the US.
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“It’s a tradition rooted in racism which is very much about the fear of Black people and the laughing at black people,” Dr Kehinde Andrews, associate professor in sociology at Birmingham City University told the BBC in 2017.
In a 2016 blog post, declaring himself a “hot-blooded male”, Swayne waded into the row over the burkini ban being overturned by a French court.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-03--My Nephew Died At The Hands Of Police. He Won't Be The Last

Floral tributes and candles in east London following the death of Rashan Charles AFP Contributor via Getty Images
George Floyd’s death in Minnesota has led to violence and riots across the USA, not for the first time. It is yet another tragic outcome from non-approved policing tactics resulting in avoidable death. For me, it reignites a not too distant, personal despair following similar experiences closer to home.
On July 22, 2017, my nephew, Rashan Charles, died during a Stop and Search encounter with a Metropolitan Police officer in Hackney, London. In the aftermath, and up to the present day, I have aimed to be very clear on this highly emotive subject. While the police officer involved was ultimately cleared of misconduct, there is no doubt that Rashan’s death was avoidable. And in the absence of effective, strategic action by those governing our police services, more avoidable deaths in the UK will occur.
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This is my informed assessment, as a former Met Police Chief Inspector, and current police trainer. Reactions to my stance range from overt agreement by an angry minority, to defensiveness from an ambivalent majority. Often, my viewpoint provokes stark hostility from those irked to hear a former police officer take this view.
But I qualify my competence to analyse and assess policing tactics. For many of the police actions that have resulted in fatalities, I don’t ask: “What would I have done if I was in that situation?” Instead, I review what I did do when faced with the same types of offences and arrests on countless occasions.
Of course, all incidents differ, but the range of approved training in tactical operations to resolve the many different situations officers find themselves in are clear and consistent. During my time with the Met, as I progressed in experience and seniority, I had management and training responsibilities for many officers. It was my responsibility to ensure they were competent to effectively assess risks and use operational tactics effectively.
The deaths of 46-year-old George Floyd and 20-year-old Rashan Charles were clearly visible to onlookers. Both events were video recorded and are accessible to people worldwide. The images in both cases are harrowing, and evoke understandable anger each time they are viewed. We see both men at the beginning of each film apparently fit and active. However, within minutes they are lifeless.
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The force used by former police officer Derek Chauvin while detaining George Floyd, and the tactics of BX47, the officer who detained Rashan who now has lifelong anonymity, were excessive.
I know too well the risks from serious violent criminals and organised networks. Police officers can encounter some extremely dangerous characters. During my service, I ensured every officer within my sphere of responsibility was prepared and trained for the “harder face of policing”. In making that requirement of them, I ensured I met the same criteria.
Those who take on the privileged responsibility of policing know, as a last resort, use of lethal force is permissible.
In such circumstances, both then and now, all police officers require assurance that they have unequivocal support to use the highest levels of force. Beyond doubt, our police service deserves the widest public support to police our communities safely.
But, for George Floyd and Rashan Charles, it is abundantly clear, not only was there no obvious threat to the officers or to bystanders, furthermore, any evidence of resistance – from the now deceased parties – was negligible to zero.
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These operational policing failures are a breach of public trust committed by a few officers, but affecting the entire service. It makes policing in many environments extremely difficult for thousands of police officers, who try to engage effectively with various communities and neighbourhoods on a daily basis.
Worse still, the hostility toward police in some communities has become so ingrained that there is no possible chance of change during our lifetime. It may take a generation or more to repair. But there will be no possibility of restoring police and community relationships as long as current entrenchment in existing attitudes and defensiveness continues. Too often, senior police officers, politicians and the Police Federation are at the helm of that resistance.
“When senior police continue to fail to enact change in the face of clear injustice and unlawful deeds, the cycle of avoidable death will not end.”
There are many families in the UK who have lost loved ones following contact with the police: Sean Rigg; Christopher Alder; Brian Douglas; Joy Gardner; Olaseni Lewis; Thomas Orchard; Roger Sylvester and Sheku Bayoh. There are many more, and my inability to list all other cases in this short article in no way detracts or disrespects the plight of their surviving families and friends.
It is ironic that targeted hostility towards those criticising police actions comes not only from those who can see no wrong in the woeful damage being caused by some police officers. It stems too from people who no longer accept the value and benefits of an effective police service, simply because they believe the latter is not attainable. This compounds challenges that present day police officers face. But primary responsibility for repairing this damage sits within the police service, not communities or neighbourhoods.
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I know the difficulties police officers face. I also know a majority of police officers deliver exemplary service day in day out. But when senior police officers and strategic decision-makers continue to fail to enact internal change in the face of clear injustice and unlawful deeds, the cycle of avoidable death will not end.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-03--Mother of George Floyd's Six-Year-Old Daughter: He Will Never See Her Grow Up

Mother of George Floyd's Six-Year-Old Daughter: He Will Never See Her Grow Up
Roxie Washington, the mother of Geroge Floyd's 6-year-old daughter Gianna Floyd, spoke publicly after days of protests following his death. Washington spoke with her daughter by her side and came after George’s brother appealing for calm in Minneapolis. Protests have swept US cities since the killing of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American who died after a white policeman pinned his neck under a knee for nearly nine minutes in Minneapolis.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-03--Boris Johnson Pledges All Covid Tests Will Be Carried Out Within 24 Hours By End Of June

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Coronavirus has changed everything. Make sense of it all with the Waugh Zone, our evening politics briefing. Sign up now.
Boris Johnson has pledged to turn around all Covid-19 tests within 24 hours by the end of June.
Speaking in the Commons, the prime minister set the new target for all test results, except for postal kits where the postage may mean it takes longer.
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It comes as the government faces heavy criticism that its Test and Trace programme was launched too early and that easing the lockdown may be premature.
Johnson was answering a question from former health secretary Jeremy Hunt, who was pressing on how many tests were already being done within a 24-hour period and when he could commit to all being done.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson speaks during Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons, London. PA
The PM said 90% of the tests were carried out within 48 hours.
He went on: “Of the tests conducted at the 199 testing centres as well as mobile test centres, they are all done within 24 hours – and I can undertake to him now to get all tests turned around in 24 hours by the end of June, except for difficulties with postal test and insuperable problems like that.”
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The government boasts that the UK now has a 200,000 daily capacity for testing of coronavirus.
The latest figures show that around 116,000 of Tuesday’s capacity related to swab tests for the general public – labelled “pillar two” of the government’s national testing strategy.
Ministers have refused to say how many checks within “pillar two” are postal home test kits – the type excluded from Johnson’s new target.
But health secretary Matt Hancock has faced two warnings from the statistics watchdog over its inadequate testing data, which it says is “still far from complete and comprehensible”.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-03--Susanna Reid Forced To Apologise After Good Morning Britain Guest Gets Very Sweary During Live Rant

Susanna Reid was forced to apologise during Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain for a guest’s “fruity” language (her words).
Celebrity hairstylist Adee Phelan was being interviewed by Susanna and her co-host Piers Morgan when things got very sweary.
The hairstylist has been making gift boxes filled with hair and beauty products for NHS workers on the front line during his time in lockdown.
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Good Morning Britain ITV
In a passionate speech, Adee said that Westminster needed to “get their shit in order” before adding: “Sorry to swear.”
He continued: “We live in an amazing country, with amazing people, doing amazing things. We need to keep doing it and shows like this need to keep showing stories like this, not reality stars complaining about they’re bored. Bullshit”.
'It's not right and it's not fair.'
Celebrity hairdresser Adee Phelan passionately expresses his thoughts about the Prime Minister's handling of the coronavirus pandemic.
Keep up to date with GMB weekdays from 6am on ITV and The ITV Hub 👉 https://t.co/yyUUJmzswF pic.twitter.com/jgTswwRR7o — Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 3, 2020
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'She looked at me with sheer fear and I knew what was about to go down.'
Celebrity hairdresser Adee Phelan explains why he has been making gift boxes of hair and beauty products for NHS workers on the frontline.@piersmorgan | @susannareid100 | #GMB pic.twitter.com/dxxNXbhFda — Good Morning Britain (@GMB) June 3, 2020
Susanna told ITV viewers that Adee had been “doing his absolute best to give a boost to those on the NHS front line”.
She added: “He was so passionate that he did use some swear words a number of times which may have caused offence.
“So I just wanted to take this moment to say I’m sorry if that caused offence to people, it was quite fruity language. It was obviously reflective of how strongly he feels about the situation, but there we go”.
Piers explained: “Normally we would issue a grovelling apology for slightly unfortunate language. I actually understand your anger, I understand your passion, and I am prepared to take a hit from Ofcom.”
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He added that he was “not going to apologise for it”.
Piers was cleared at the end of April by the media watchdog following “combative” interviews with Government ministers amid the coronavirus outbreak.
He had attracted more than 3,000 complaints from two interviews with care minister Helen Whately during April.
Almost 600 viewers also complained about another interview with Health Secretary Matt Hancock on April 16.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-03--Trudeau Is Literally Lost For Words On Trump

Trudeau Is Literally Lost For Words On Trump
The Canadian prime minister had to think long and hard when asked about US president Donald Trump and recent tactics used against protesters.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-03--Fleabag, Game Of Thrones And Gavin & Stacey Are Among Contenders For Bafta's TV Moment Of The Year

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Bafta has announced the contenders for the TV Moment Of The Year at the upcoming annual television awards.
While most of this year’s TV Baftas nominations will be revealed on Thursday, the six shows up for TV Moment Of The Year have now been shared, and a number of our faves are in the running.
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The moments up for the award all aired in 2019, including the death of Sinead in Coronation Street and the infamous confessional scene from the second series of Fleabag.
Surprisingly, a scene from the controversial final series of Game Of Thrones is featured among the top moments, in which Arya Stark kills the Night King, as is John Corbett’s death in the most recent series of Line Of Duty.
Completing the list are Michael’s recoupling during last summer’s Love Island, and the shock proposal at the end of the Gavin & Stacey Christmas special.
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While most of the Bafta winners are decided by a committee, the TV Moment Of The Year is chosen by the viewing public, who can cast their vote on Virgin Media’s website.
Voting is open now, and will close at 5pm on 15 July.
The chair of Bafta’s Television Committee Hannah Wyatt said: “Television in 2019 showcased the incredible craft, gripping scriptwriting and brilliant visuals which continue to captivate the British public.
“From bringing back nostalgic favourites, to raising awareness about hugely important issues, the shows and moments nominated for Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment Award 2020 reflect Bafta’s values to champion excellence and inspire creativity.
“I can’t wait to see what audiences choose to be their Virgin Media Must-See Moment winner at the Baftas, in what is sure to be a close contest.”
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Three of the contenders for the TV Moment Of The Year (l-r) Fleabag, Love Island and Gavin & Stacey. BBC/ITV
The Virgin Media TV Baftas were originally due to take place in May, but have been postponed until 31 July as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
Due to social distancing guidelines, winners will accept their awards virtually for the first time.


thehuffingtonpostuk--2020-06-03--Matt Hancock Won't Tell Us Why More BAME People Are Dying From Covid – We Need An Inquiry

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It’s been a hard few days, but for many of us this is not unexpected.
As Black people die on the streets of America, Donald Trump tweets about “law and order” while readying troops to deploy against his own people. Simultaneously, we are seeing disproportionate deaths from within Black Asian Minority and Ethnic communities due to Covid-19 across the globe, including here in the UK.
The time for change is now. It is long overdue.
I found my voice over two decades ago in a clothing factory, standing up for myself when I was racially abused. I’m a woman of Asian heritage, proud daughter of an immigrant. My first political experience was walking with my fearless father who walked us through a National Front march – despite the police urging him not to. Decades later, I still count it as one of the scariest days of my life. I am now one of the most senior BAME trade unionists in the country.
“We never dreamed such a report would simply state the dreadful reality faced by BAME people in the UK without offering recommendations remedy, recourse to safety or justice.”
Health Secretary Matt Hancock, during a media briefing in Downing Street, London, on coronavirus (COVID-19). PA
Throughout my life I have come to know and feel first-hand the structural issues and challenges facing people of colour, and women of colour, in our society, institutions and in our workplaces.
As National Secretary for Public Services at GMB, I represent hundreds of thousands of working people who are on the front line of tackling covid-19.
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I hear first-hand the fears of people leaving their homes to go to work, terrified they will catch the virus and pass it on to their work colleagues or their families. It’s very real and we all need to do more to protect our precious resources – our workers.
When the roll calls of the dead are read out, I see and I feel the stark inequalities that face all of us.
If you are working class and if you are from a BAME background you are more likely to die. If you work in care, nursing, security, and professional driving you are more likely to die.
Of course, we know this. GMB has been calling for PPE and proper safety measures in workplaces since the start of this pandemic. We’ve been calling for equality impact assessments.
It was not a shock that Matt Hancock’s review said that higher infection and mortality rates in BAME communities could be attributed to poor housing conditions, lower incomes, occupations with higher risk profiles, inadequate access to public services and a greater risk of underlying health conditions. But even those in the trade union movement sceptical of Tory Ministers never dreamed such a report would simply state the dreadful reality without offering recommendations remedy, recourse to safety or justice.
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It is difficult to understand what Mr Hancock thought the report he commissioned was supposed to achieve. Then overnight we learn section(s) of the report, that focussed on impacts of structural and institutional racism, may have been removed. The government has so far denied this is the case, but if this is true, it’s a major breach of trust and will not help build confidence among the communities most affected.
But how would this cabinet understand the lives we lead? Day after day, week after week we see privileged ministers (mainly men) reciting the number of dead at a press conference. They clap for our carers while doing nothing to address the plight of the overworked, undervalued and underpaid. Only last week, NHS workers took the knee outside Downing Street as the Prime Minister started to clap for workers, because those on the front line know more can and should be done.
We need answers. That is why GMB is calling for an independent public inquiry and many have started to join our call.
Because here’s the thing – right at the heart of this, many Black Asian Minority and Ethnic people simply do not believe that all lives matter equally to the government.
If they did, why are we dying?
We’re dying because while this virus does not discriminate, our society, our systems, our institutions, our policies, practices and economy do. Post Macpherson we were going to build an inclusive Britain, eliminate unlawful discrimination and make our institutions fit for purpose. Whilst audits were carried out and recommendations tabled, many have forgotten why we had to amend the Race Relations Act back in 2000.
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Our value for too many is linked to our value in the economy. When you know BAME workers are more likely to be low paid and insecure that’s not just a problem – it’s a scandal.
We’re at a turning point in so many ways. We must not allow the response to this pandemic to further entrench inequality, we must fight for better.
We’ll only change this together – be it on the streets of Washington DC or in board rooms, workplaces and communities here in the UK.
Now is the time to stand up.
Build solidarity, reach out to us, work with us, our strength is in our numbers and when we speak with a collective voice we cannot be ignored. I see that in my work every day as a union organiser. So take action. Join a trade union, register to vote, protest, get active in your community.
Doing nothing isn’t an option.