BLACK LIVES MATTER

The Green Group of councillors sitting on Lambeth council welcomed the opportunity to work cross party with Labour on a Black Lives Matter emergency motion which was passed at last week’s full council meeting. The motion condemns the tragic killing of George Floyd and all police and state brutality towards black people both in America and the UK. The motion also recognises the systemic and structural racism that exists in our society and resolves to stand in total solidarity with all black people around the world.  

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.

 

 

http://www.brixtonbuzz.com/2020/06/lambeth-council-passes-emergency-motion-from-lambeth-labour-group-in-support-of-black-lives-matter/