Black Lives Matter and inequality

Dr Onkar Sahota moved, and Jennette Arnold OBE AM seconded the following motion:

“That the Assembly notes the answers to the questions asked.

We also note the Mayor’s report and its particular reference to the Black Lives Matters protests here and in the United States.

We are appalled by the events leading to the death of George Floyd and add our voices to the global condemnation of his murder.           

We recognise that many of the concerns held by those protesting in the US – for example, regarding institutional racism – are shared by Black communities in this country and that there is a great feeling of injustice.

We stand shoulder to shoulder with Black Londoners in asserting their fundamental right to raise significant issues concerning their community.

We firmly believe that equality and opportunity are not for the select few. Our work, as Members of this Assembly, must be to play a role in ensuring racism and discrimination are challenged and eradicated.

This means adding our voices to concerns such as the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on BAME people, as well as scrutinising the effect on those communities of inequality, whether it be economic, in the application of the law, or in opportunity.”

Following debate and upon being put to a vote, the motion was agreed unanimously.