Black Lives
Matter Emergency Motion – June 3rd, 2020 – full wording
Council notes
with serious concern and distress the death of George Floyd at the hands of police
in America on 25 May 2020, and the subsequent protests and demonstrations
against police and state brutality towards black people in America and around
the world, and the systemic racism that exists within society.
Council also
notes with alarm the response of the President of the United States of America
and his administration, using extreme force to crush and repel protestors.
Council further
notes the release of the government report into the disproportionate impact of
Covid-19 on black, Asian and minority ethic people and that it is of vital importance
that action is taken as a result to alleviate the disproportionate impact of Covid-19
on black, Asian and minority ethnic people.
Council welcomes:
The decision to
light Lambeth Town Hall purple in commemoration of the tragic and wholly
unnecessary death of George Floyd.
The commitment
to a community listening event to be held later this month to hear from our
communities about the impact of covid-19, including on policing approaches and
any community tensions.
Council
resolves:
·
To
stand in complete solidarity with black people in America, in Britain, and
around the world.
·
To
give its support to the Black Lives Matter movement.
·
To
lobby for immediate government action on to address the disproportionate impact of
Covid-19 on black, Asian and minority ethnic people.
·
To
work with the community and the police in Lambeth to ensure that policing in
the borough
is proportionate and fair to all residents.
To call on
the Government to:
·
Make
urgent changes to Government policy and guidance to protect BAME communities
as the report requested.
·
Implement
an action plan as requested by the Chair of the BMA (British Medical
Association) to reduce the risk to BAME employees and to address
the underlying issues.
·
Carry
out an independent BAME Covid-19 inquiry.
·
Implement
an immediate suspension of export licences of sales of arms to the
US, including riot shields, tear gas, rubber bullets and small arms and an
investigation into how British arms are being used in internal repression
and violations of civil rights.
