Thank you for contacting me about the death of George Floyd in the US, and the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests.
I totally understand the anger and grief that is felt not just in America but here in the UK in response to the killing of George Floyd. His death has shone a light on the racism experienced by black people in the US and across the world.
I also support the right to protest peacefully, lawfully and in accordance with the current rules on social distancing. However, scenes of a minority of protesters engaged in rioting and violence are very distressing and I urge all sides to de-escalate these tensions.
While, in the wake of this killing, racial divisions in the US are plain to see, it is also incumbent on us to use this moment to look with renewed vigour at how black people are treated here in the UK. Racism is abhorrent. It has no place in our communities and we all have a part to play in tackling it. The wealth of diversity across our country should be something to be celebrated. But the strength of feeling in the wake of George Floyd’s killing serves as a reminder that work remains to be done here in the UK.
There are some good national and local initiatives out there with great people involved in them. There are also well-established mechanisms in place in Whitehall and the police to address racially motivated discrimination, improve policing and stamp out racist bullying in schools, some of these flowing from a Hate Crime Action Plan (which you can read more about here):
www.gov.uk/government/publications/hate-crime-action-plan-2016).
At this time, we must not only draw on these resources, but also examine whether they are sufficient. With this in mind I have ensured that ministers are aware of the strength of feeling on this issue.
Public Health England has published the review on disparities in the risk and outcomes of COVID-19. The report can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-review-of-disparities-in-risks-and-outcomes. The Prime Minister has rightly asked that the Equalities Minister take up the report and see what practical steps can be implemented to protect minorities that are more at risk.
I do also want to reassure you that the Government takes its defence export responsibilities very seriously and operates one of the most robust export control regimes in the world. Indeed, export licence applications are rigorously assessed on a case-by-case basis against the Consolidated EU and National Arms Export Licensing Criteria. Consideration is given to the prevailing circumstances at the time of application and includes human rights and international humanitarian law considerations. I will of course be following developments closely and I will raise the concerns you have shared with colleagues in the Foreign Office and Department for International Trade.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
