The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, is speaking out about the reality of institutional racism in Britain. He believes that this issue is not just a figment of imagination, but a serious problem that needs to be addressed. Khan is committed to working with the British Metropolitan Police Commissioner to bring about long-term changes in the security institution.

Lawrence and the Macpherson Report

Khan references the tragic murder of Stephen Lawrence and the subsequent Macpherson Report, which highlighted the presence of institutional racism within the Metropolitan Police. Lawrence, a young black Londoner, was killed in a racially motivated attack in 1993. The report, published in 1999, was a turning point in British race relations, shedding light on the systemic issues within the police force.

Continued Efforts

Despite some progress in addressing institutional racism, Khan acknowledges that there is still much work to be done. Recent events, such as the disproportionate impact of Covid-19 on black communities and inequalities in the criminal justice system, highlight the ongoing presence of systemic racism. Khan emphasizes the importance of tackling this issue to ensure a fair and just society for all Londoners.

In conclusion, Khan stresses that institutional racism is not just a theoretical problem, but a matter of life and death for many individuals in London. It is crucial to continue the fight against systemic discrimination to create a more inclusive and equitable society for all.

Source: Independent