The City of Plymouth is standing in solidarity with George Floyd's family and friends and the Black Lives Matter movement, Council Leader Tudor Evans says.
Councillor Evans says the violent death of George Floyd has shocked the world and is a terrible reminder of the need to keep up the fight against racism and discrimination everywhere.
He said: “We are all horrified by the tragic and violent death of George Floyd and as a city we stand in solidarity with his family and friends, the Black Lives Matter movement and everyone who continues to challenge racism, discrimination and inequality.
“As an international city we have a proud history in Plymouth of welcoming people from all over the world. It is as important as ever that during the year of the Mayflower 400 commemorations that Plymouth, England, makes a clear statement against any form of discrimination or oppression and that we stand in solidarity with those who are being discriminated against in the US.
“We are very serious as a council about our pledge to make Plymouth a safe and welcoming city and to champion equality and diversity. This is why we will always stand shoulder to shoulder with all those fighting racism, hatred and bigotry in all its forms.
“I’m grateful for, and supportive of, the statement today by the Chief Constable for Devon and Cornwall Police.
“The way that the BAME community – including many of NHS staff – has suffered disproportionately from the impact of COVID-19 shows just how much there is to do to tackle deep-rooted inequalities.
“Today we stand united with the Black Lives Matter movement. Our messages is that Black Lives Matter in Plymouth.”
Anyone experiencing or witnessing any racist behaviour can report by callinghttps://www.plymouth.gov.uk/crimepreventionandantisocialbehaviour/reportdiscriminationorhateincident
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