The London Assembly has today written to the Met Commissioner, Cressida Dick DBE QPM, following the recent data on Black, Asian and ethnic minority fines and arrests during COVID-19 lockdown.
Chair of the London Assembly Police & Crime Committee, Unmesh Desai AM, said:
“Following the shocking news coming from the US over the last few days, the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee wants to ensure that it continues to hold the Met to account on all issues, now more than ever.
“It’s important that Black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) Londoners feel supported and we need to ensure that we are asking the questions that they deserve the answers to.
“Data provided by the Met regarding COVID-19 Fixed Penalty Notices and arrests has shown that BAME Londoners were nearly 50% more likely to be arrested under COVID-19 laws. When we receive such information, we need to be asking the questions as to why this is the case.
“The Assembly will continue to always represent all Londoners as the diversity in our city is our greatest asset.”
Related documents
London Assembly - letter to Met on BAME COVID arrests
Notes to editors
- The letter is attached.
- Unmesh Desai AM, Chair of the Police & Crime Committee is available for interview.
- Find out more about the work of the Police & Crime Committee.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.
For media enquiries, please contact Aoife Nolan on 020 7983 4067. For out of hours media enquiries, call 020 7983 4000 and ask for the London Assembly duty press officer. Non-media enquiries should be directed to the Public Liaison Unit on 020 7983 4100.