Sutton Scene - Leader of the Council Column 05/05/2020

Black Lives Matter

The tragic death of George Floyd in Minnesota last week has caused anger and dismay across the world. It has shone a light on the widespread racism that sadly still exists in our society but it has also strengthened our determination to stamp it out.

Since I published my statement earlier this week, I have been contacted by people from our Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to talk about their experience here in Sutton. Hearing how they have had to deal with racism as they grew up in our borough has reminded me that we cannot afford to be complacent. Add to that the release of the Public Health England review this week on the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on some of our communities and it is clear that there is still a lot to do.

In times like these, it is important for us to reflect both as individuals and in our communities on the injustice of racism and the impact it has locally, nationally and globally. We should ask ourselves what more we can do to oppose and eradicate it wherever we see it rear its ugly head.

In Sutton, we value and support our diverse community. We celebrate the increasing diversity and the richness that it brings. Whether you are of black, minority ethnic or any other heritage, Sutton is a great place to live, work and raise a family. Here in Sutton, community, faith, voluntary and public and private organisations work together to help ensure we are one of the safest and most tolerant places in London.

As Leader of Sutton Council, I will continue to do all I can to champion all of those, from every community, who are proud to call our borough their home.