A UK cabinet minister today said “justice has been done” following Derek Chauvin’s murder conviction in the United States.
The white former police officer has been found guilty of murder over the death of African-American George Floyd in Minneapolis last year.
Video footage of Chauvin kneeling on Mr Floyd’s neck sparked world-wide protests including on the streets of London.
UK politicians today reacted to the conviction after US President Joe Biden gave a statement on live TV saying: “Systemic racism is a stain on the whole nation’s soul.”
UK Cabinet minister Oliver Dowden told Sky News: “Justice has been done. It is so important in situations like this, particularly when people feel the justice system has not served them in the past.”
The Culture Secretary also said he was committed to stamping out online racist abuse in the UK of the kind faced by many black footballers.
It comes after Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “I was appalled by the death of George Floyd and welcome this verdict.
“My thoughts tonight are with George Floyd’s family and friends.”
Meanwhile Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer tweeted: “Justice.”
Shadow justice secretary David Lammy added: “No judgement can ever make up for murder, but it means everything that justice has been served tonight for George Floyd.
“Let this send a clear message both in the USA and across the world: Black Lives Matter.”
