City mayor's statement: Black Lives Matter

Black Lives Matter - statement from the City Mayor, Peter Soulsby.

The murder of George Floyd in the United States was truly shocking and our thoughts are with his family and all those affected by it.

Sadly it was not an isolated act, but was the product of historic and enduring racism that also exists here in the UK and in Leicester.

Although we are proud of the way we have welcomed communities from all over the world to our city for many decades, this doesn’t make us good enough.

As Leicester’s City Mayor, and on behalf of my executive team, other city councillors and council officers, I pledge that we will continue to fight racism and discrimination in all its forms in our city.

In Leicester our strength lies in the partnerships we have forged with and between different communities over many years. These partnerships are helping the city to cope with this terrible pandemic and will make us stronger as we return to a new normal. I am committed to working with young people to reflect their concerns and shape their future city.

Of course we have lit up public buildings to show our support. But we must continue to work for a better future and unite with one voice to condemn racism.

Peter Soulsby
City Mayor