Black Lives Matter

PR Date: Friday, 12 June 2020 - 12:00pm

In light of protests by the Black Lives Matter movement and with further protests planned across the county, all eleven leaders of the district, borough and county councils in Hertfordshire, plus the police and crime commissioner, are today issuing the following statement:

“Hertfordshire stands united against every form of discrimination, racism and injustice. The killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis has reminded us once again that we cannot and should not tolerate racism in any form or from any person.

“There are still many injustices to overcome but as leaders in our communities, we have an important role to play in challenging inequality. We will work with our communities to bring about meaningful change. We don’t have all the answers yet but we are committed to listening, and to learning how we can most effectively challenge inequality and stamp out injustice.

“Coronavirus has tested our community, and throughout this challenging period of time we have shown our strength, resilience and support for each other, irrespective of our differences.

“Sadly we are still seeing many Coronavirus infections and deaths in this country, and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on people who are from BAME communities has been deeply worrying.

“We support the right for peaceful protest but it is vital that we all stay as safe as possible and maintain social distancing to stop the spread of this virus.

“We would also like to thank our local police and other emergency services for the work they have been doing to keep us all safe over a difficult few months.

“Please stay safe, and know that in Hertfordshire we truly believe that Black Lives Matter.”

Cllr Lewis Cocking, Leader of Broxbourne Borough Council

Cllr Andrew Williams, Leader of Dacorum Borough Council

Cllr Linda Haysey, Leader of East Herts Council

Cllr Morris Bright, Leader of Hertsmere Borough Council

Cllr Martin Stears-Handscomb, Leader of North Herts District Council

Cllr Chris White, Leader of St Albans City and District Council 

Cllr Sharon Taylor, Leader of Stevenage Borough Council

Cllr Sara Bedford, Leader of Three Rivers District Council

Peter Taylor, Elected Mayor of Watford

Cllr Tony Kingsbury, Leader of Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council

Cllr David Williams, Leader of Hertfordshire County Council

David Lloyd, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hertfordshire

Cllr Martin Stears-Handscomb, Leader of North Herts District Council said: “I was very happy to sign the statement which showed the unity of all parties and all councils in Hertfordshire to stand with our black brothers and sisters at a time when we are all shocked at recent events and they in particular are hurting. 

“Here in North Herts we are already committed through our Equality Strategy to tackle the disadvantage and discrimination that exists in our society and our Shaping Our Future programme, which will be discussed at the Cabinet meeting on 23rd June has this as one of its key themes.  We are determined to show that our actions follow our words.”