'I know that racism exists in this country': Chancellor Rishi Sunak speaks out in response to Black Lives Matter protests

Sharpened Insta game: Rishi Sunak
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Imogen Braddick8 June 2020

Racism does exist in this country, the Chancellor has said as he spoke out about the Black Lives Matter demonstrations across the country.

It comes after Boris Johnson said earlier that he does not believe that the UK is a racist country amid protests sparked by the death of George Floyd in the US.

Posting on Twitter, Rishi Sunak said: "I’ve had a lot of questions on what I think about last weekend’s protests so I thought it would be easiest to share my thoughts below."

Sharing a statement, he said: "As a British Asian of course I know that racism exists in this country.

"And I know people are angry and frustrated. They want to see, and feel, change.

"But a better society doesn't happen overnight - like all great acts of creation, it happens slowly, and depends on the cooperation of each of us toward that common goal.

"The truth is we have inherited a country far more inclusive and fairer than at any point in its history.

"Does this mean our story is over? No, but we shouldn't ignore the hard work of the many generations who came before us.

"To the small minority who committed acts of violence and vandalism last weekend, not only were your actions criminal, but they are perpetuate a dangerous lie: that the temporary excitement of destruction is the same thing as change. You are, and always will be, wrong.

"But to the vast majority who seek only peaceful protest within the law and a better future for themselves and their children: whilst our progress feels slow, I promise you it is permanent."

Earlier on Monday, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said Mr Johnson does not believe that the UK is a racist country.

London: Black Lives Matter George Floyd protest - In pictures

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“The PM doesn’t doubt that there continues to be discrimination and racism but does not agree that this is a racist country,” the spokesman said.

“We have made very significant progress on this issue but there remains more to do and we will not be complacent in our efforts to stamp out racism and discrimination where it happens.”

Thousands of protesters gathered across the UK over the weekend to march against racism following the death of Mr Floyd, a 46-year-old black man who died while in police custody in Minneapolis.

In Bristol, a statue of Edward Colston, a 17th-century slave trader, was toppled by protesters.

Downing Street said tearing down the statue on Sunday was a “criminal act” and issues such as the monument to the slave trader should be addressed through democratic processes.

George Floyd Hyde Park Protest - In pictures

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“The PM’s view is that in this country, where there is strong opinion, there is a democratic process which should be followed," Mr Johnson's spokesman said.

“People can campaign for the removal of a statue but what happened yesterday was a criminal act and when the criminal law is broken that is unacceptable and the police will want to hold to account those responsible.

“The PM absolutely understands the strength of feeling, but in this country we settle our differences democratically and if people wanted the removal of the statue there are democratic routes which can be followed.”

Mr Johnson also received an update from Metropolitan Police chief Cressida Dick on Sunday night about the protests.

Scotland Yard said 36 people had been arrested during Sunday’s protests for offences including violent disorder, criminal damage and assaulting police.

It added that 35 officers reported suffering injuries. Of these, two needed to be treated in hospital, one suffering a head wound and the second a shoulder injury after being hit by a thrown bottle.

“They have our full support in tackling any violence, vandalism and disorderly behaviour,” the PM's spokesman said.

“It is completely unacceptable they were subjected to attacks over the weekend.”

Making a statement to MPs in the Commons on Monday, Home Secretary Priti Patel said "hooliganism is utterly indefensible".

She said: “As the ugly tally of officer assaults show, some protesters regrettably turned to violence and abusive behaviour at the weekend. This hooliganism is utterly indefensible. There is no justification for it.

“There is no excuse for pelting flares at brave officers, throwing bikes at police horses, attempting to disrespect the Cenotaph or vandalising the statue of Winston Churchill, one of the greatest protectors of our freedoms who has ever lived.

“It’s not for mobs to tear down statues and cause criminal damage in our streets, and it is not acceptable for thugs to racially abuse black police officers for doing their jobs.

“The criminals responsible for these unlawful and reckless acts are betraying the very cause they purport to serve.

“These protests are about injustice but by attacking our courageous police, they are acting in a wholly unjust way.”

Shadow Home Secretary Nick Thomas-Symonds agreed that some of the actions of a minority of protesters are “unacceptable”.

He told MPs: “We cannot allow this moment of global demand for justice to pass without action and we on these benches will be at the forefront of calls for change.

“What is never the solution, though, is violence and vandalism. The vast majority of protesters are peaceful, but some of the actions we have seen from a minority are unacceptable.

“I condemn those who have attacked the police and I want to pay tribute to the police officers putting themselves in harm’s way over the weekend.”

But he said that he would not miss the statue of Edward Colston, although he added that he did not condone an act of criminal damage.

He said: “I do not condone an act of criminal damage to remove it, but I will not miss a public statue of a slave trader that should have been taken down many years ago.

“At a time when politicians and public health experts are rightly stressing the need for caution around protests given the risk of coronavirus, and I stress that again today and the importance of social distancing, the imperative on those in power is all the greater to show that they have listened, that they understand the scale of the anger and the desire for meaningful action.”

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