Contents

Covid Legislation

IF ANYTHING IS MISSING CONTACT -

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Educate - Why are we protesting?

Black Lives Matter is not just a US movement, it is a global movement. Around the world, black people are murdered when they are stopped by the police. They are murdered in their own homes, they are murdered outside of supermarkets and they murdered in the hands of the police. Murdered purely for the colour of their skin. In their life, 1 out of 1,000 black males would be killed in their lifetime due to the police brutality in America. Police in the United States kill far more people than do police in other advanced industrial democracies. Black men are about 2.5 times more likely to be killed by police over the life course than are white men and black women are about 1.4 times more likely to be killed by police than are white women as shown by the research article Risk of being killed by police use of force in the United States by age, race–ethnicity, and sex published in 2019. The protests that are currently occurring spark from the recent death of George Floyd. This man was brutally murdered by police officers in the Minneapolis Police Department where they held George in an illegal chokehold for 8 minutes and 41 seconds while he yelled ‘I can’t breathe.’ Do these words seem familiar? They should as they were also Eric Garner's last words back in 2014. IT IS 2020 and black men are still being murdered for the colour of their skin. George Floyds killer was first charged with 3rd degree murder and after numerous petitions fighting this, it has only just been raised to second degree. Two autopsy were conducted on George as the state mandated one concluded that ‘underlying health conditions’ were the main factor of his death but the independent autopsy ruled that asphyxiation was the cause of death. Why did the state autopsy cover up the wrong doings of the police? Enough is enough.

The United Kingdom is not entirely innocent. The UK has blood on its hands too, and no matter how hard it tries, their choices and actions will show it. The UK sells riot gear to the US and due to the protests at the minute, sales have skyrocketed. Labour has called on the UK to suspend the sale of riot control equipment to the United States and review whether any British-made teargas or crowd control guns were being used against demonstrators across the United States.

Below are the handful of times where police killed unarmed black men. In recent times:

In 2011, Mark Duggan was shot and killed by police in London after they tried to arrest him under suspicion of planning an attack and being in possession of a gun. His death sparked riots across London, where police officers are three times more likely to use force against black people than white people. These riots later spread throughout the UK. In 2014, an inquest jury found that Mark Duggan was lawfully killed, despite the fact that the jury found Duggan unarmed at the time of his shooting, and that there were failings in the way the police conducted the gathering and actioning of evidence. The UK media tried to portray Mark Duggan as a thug and a criminal, cropping an image of him holding a memorial for his late daughter in order to misrepresent him.

In 2016, ex-Aston Villa footballer Dalian Atkinson had died after being restrained by police. He went into cardiac arrest en-route to a hospital in Shropshire. West Mercia Police constable Benjamin Monk was charged with his murder, which holds a sentence of life imprisonment, as well as an alternate charge of manslaughter. Another officer, Mary Ellen Bettley-Smith was charged with assault causing actual bodily harm. Both officers are on unconditional bail.

In 2017, Rashan Charles, 20, died in hospital in East London. The jury found that the officer used “justified force” against the father-of-one, but failed to follow additional police protocol. Coroner Mary Hassell informed the court that Mr Charles died of cardiac arrest and an obstructed airway during the restraint. The officer in question was granted anonymity, and referred to as BX47 in the courtroom. This young man’s death was branded an accident. BX47 walks free.

Even at later dates, many black British people did not get the justice they deserved despite being subjected to brutal acts of violence by British police officers:

In 2012, Sarah Reed was at the centre of a police brutality case after she was attacked by PC James Kiddie. Kiddie was seen pulling Reed’s hair, dragging her across the floor and pressing down onto her neck several times. Reed’s mother revealed that Sarah already suffered from mental health issues, which worsened after the attack. PC Kiddie was given a mere 12-month community order, 150 hours of community service and told pay a £500 fine. However, Sarah’s story did not end here. In 2016, Sarah Reed was failed by the system once again, when she found dead at 32, from a suicide attempt in a Holloway prison cell after being denied medication, despite suffering severely from mental health issues.

In 1993, Joy Gardner, a 40-year old Jamaican mature student named Joy Gardner was detained by the police in an immigration raid. She was restrained with leather straps, handcuffs as well as 13 feet of adhesive tape wrapped around her head. Joy was unable to breathe and suffered brain damage due to asphyxia. She died in hospital four days later due to cardiac arrest. The police officers who murdered were put on trial, but acquitted.

In 2005, Azelle Rodney was shot by six times by police officer Anthony Long after stopping Azelle’s car. Anthony Long had already shot two men earlier in his career as an Armed Forces officer. Long suspected that Azelle was a part of a gang, despite Azelle having no previous criminal record. Azelle’s murder was classified as an unlawful killing.  

Racism in the UK is institutionalised, and evident in schools and workplaces. Schools are seen to police protective hairstyles that are ingrained in the black culture, or dye their hair a certain colour even though their white counterparts were able to. In the workplace, racism is much more covert, where ignorant comments are thrown around by fellow employees and in some cases, the employer.

Even in our education system, the British government refuse to acknowledge the crimes that were committed by predecessors; slavery, colonisation and gentrification – but rarely any of our school history books feature any of these subjects. Even after facing 400 years of slavery and segregation, black immigrants from 1950s and 60s (known as the Windrush generation) still faced abhorrent amounts of racism, from both police officials and civilians in the UK. With little to no anti-discrimination laws, black people were denied the right to sufficient housing from landlords, solely based on their heritage, and they were defenceless. A 1956 study in Birmingham showed that white landlords were less likely to rent out their buildings to black citizens, and even double their rent charges. Actions from 1835 still affect black people today, as their taxes were used to pay off the British slavery compensation loan that was instilled in 1835. Black British citizens were forced to pay for generations of their ancestors’ trauma up until 2015, which only came to public attention in 2018. 185 years’ worth of pain and discrimination that black citizens unknowingly had to supply for.

Many people in the UK refuse to believe that injustices occur within our communities, but there are too many stories to tell that prove this tale wrong. Racism is still alive and well today, within everyday society and within the system that is supposed to protect us all. Just because it is subtle and covert, does not mean it is not racist. We as a country must stand together against injustice, and use any privilege we may have to make a difference in our society.  As Malcolm X once said:

“A new world order is in the making, and it is up to us to prepare ourselves that we may take our rightful place in it.”

UK PROTESTS

  1. THURSDAY 4TH JUNE- Bristol (Eastville Park) 12.30PM
  2. THURSDAY 4TH JUNE- Birmingham (Victoria Square) 4PM
  3. SATURDAY 6TH JUNE- London (Parliament Square) 1PM
  4. SATURDAY 6TH JUNE- Manchester (Piccadilly Gardens) 1PM
  5. SATURDAY 6TH JUNE- Newcastle (Grey’s Monument) 1PM
  6. SATURDAY 6TH JUNE- Leicester (Clock Tower) 1PM
  7. SUNDAY 7TH JUNE- Glasgow (Glasgow Green) 12PM
  8. SUNDAY 7TH JUNE- Nottingham (Market Square) 12PM
  9. SUNDAY 7TH JUNE- Bristol (College Green) 1PM

#Justice4Shukri Protest happening on the 27th June!

- Manchester

- London

- Sheffield

- Liverpool

- Birmingham  (25th*)

- Bristol

- Leicester

- Toronto

- Cardiff

RT & Share, if you know of others DM ASAP!

More information to follow!

RIGHTS FOR PROTESTING UK!

  • Under the EUROPEAN CONVENTION OF HUMAN RIGHTS-
  • Article 10 – Right to Freedom of expression
  • Article 11- Right to Assembly (peaceful protesting!)
  • Human Rights Act 1998.

Articles 10 and 11 are not absolute rights.

POLICE can impose restrictions when protesting but they are unique to each case.

•        With the Covid-19 situation; probably will get people to stay 2m apart and if breached, it could cause people to be arrested.

•        Police are allowed to impose restrictions or even ban protests that they believe can cause damage to property or become violent (the aim of these protests is to be PEACEFUL)

•        POLICE POWERS TO STOP AND SEARCH REMAIN THE SAME- they must have reasonable grounds to suspect (they cannot search based on race or age!) Being at a protest does not constitute reasonable grounds.

IN REGARDS TO INFORMING POLICE OF PROTESTS—

THERE IS NO ROUTE OR ACTUAL MARCH PLANNED YOU DO NOT NEED TO INFORM!

DO NOT

  • Go to the protests if you feel sick, have a fever or a cough.

Remember that the Coronavirus is still prevalent in society and we must limit the threat. BAME are at a disproportionately higher risk of contracting the disease so be weary, wear masks, gloves and take anti-bacterial hand sanitiser if you have it!

Always ask the police ‘under what power’ in regards to you being stopped and searched, arrested and detained. They must provide you with an Act or Power and the section number associated.

The key messages when protesting are:

AS STATED BY THE BLACK AND GREEN CROSS. Please look at their website before going out and protesting!

COVID LEGISLATION

On 1st June, the Regulations were further amended and relaxed as follows:

  • Regulation 7 now prohibits outdoor gatherings of more than 6 people.
  • Regulation 6 prohibits anyone from staying overnight, without reasonable excuse, any place other than the place where they are living.

The effect of the lockdown laws is that, as of 1st June 2020, a gathering of 7 or more people outdoors is unlawful. It does not seem to matter that the purpose of that gathering is the exercise of a lawful right, nor does it matter if all pre-COVID-19 laws are being followed in respect of the specific protest.

  • Even if the protestors are 2m apart, they can still be breaking lockdown laws.
  • Regulation 7 (3) also looks at the gathering of two or more people that undertake any other activity together. Protesting would fall under here.
  • The protest would breach the regulations in place so please be aware if you are arrested!

STOP AND SEARCH.

Stop and Account

Your rights in a Stop and Account?

  •  You have the right to leave at any given, they do not have the power to force you to stay.
  • You have the right to remain silent, if you refuse to answer; THIS IS NOT GROUNDS FOR A SEARCH.
  • There is a situation where you must respond and that is for antisocial behaviour, even here you only have to tell them your NAME AND ADDRESS. That is all.
  • In a STOP AND ACCOUNT they will and should only ask these 4 questions;
  1. What are you doing?
  2. Why are you in the area?
  3. Where are you going?
  4. What are you carrying?

Your best course of actions will be to ASK why you have been stopped. If it is for the antisocial behaviour (harassment/alarm/distress), stay but otherwise, remain silent and leave.

You have the ability to request details. The police can also stop an individual and ask for their details, but there is no positive obligation in law to comply. The individual can move away from the police officer; this does not give the police the power to arrest and/or search that individual. However, providing false details can be a criminal offence (obstructing a police officer, s.89 Police Act 1996, with a maximum penalty of a fine and/or one month’s imprisonment).

Power to require details. The police can specifically ask for an individual’s personal details under s.50 of the Police Reform Act 2002. Failure to give details, or the giving of false details, is a criminal offence (for which the maximum penalty is a fine). The police can only lawfully exercise the s.50 power if they hold a genuine and reasonable belief that the individual has been engaged in anti-social behaviour (defined as behaviour that causes or is likely to cause harassment, alarm or distress to one or more persons not of the same household).

(The two paragraphs above are from the Secret Barrister Blog Post)

STOP AND SEARCH?

A police officer might stop you and ask:

  • what your name is
  • what you’re doing in the area
  • where you’re going
  • (IMPORTANT) You don’t have to stop or answer any questions. If you don’t and there’s no other reason to suspect you, then this alone can’t be used as a reason to search or arrest you

Reasons for a stop and search-

A police officer has powers to stop and search you if they have ‘reasonable grounds’ to suspect you’re carrying:

  • illegal drugs
  • a weapon
  • stolen property
  • something which could be used to commit a crime, such as a crowbar

You can only be stopped and searched without reasonable grounds if it has been approved by a senior police officer. This can happen if it is suspected that:

  • serious violence could take place
  • you’re carrying a weapon or have used one
  • you’re in a specific location or area

SIMPLY BEING AT THE PROTEST IS NOT REASONABLE GROUND.

Before you’re searched.

Before you’re searched the police officer must tell you:

  • their name and police station
  • what they expect to find, for example drugs
  • the reason they want to search you, for example if it looks like you’re hiding something
  • why they are legally allowed to search you
  • that you can have a record of the search and if this isn’t possible at the time, how you can get a copy.

The police can ask you to remove coat, jacket and gloves and anything that conceals the face (this falls under the Terrorism Act of 2000.)

They cannot ask you to remove religious items like a hijab or turban.

SECTION 60 EXPLAINED.

Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994 (s.60) gives police the right to search people in a defined area during a specific time period when they believe, with good reason, that: serious violence will take place and it is necessary to use this power to prevent such violence; or that a person is carrying a dangerous object or offensive weapon; or that an incident involving serious violence has taken place and a dangerous instrument or offensive weapon used in the incident is being carried in the locality.

As it is a protest, the officers cannot use antisocial behaviour as a reason to stop and search you.

Removal of items concealing identity. A s.60AA order gives police the power to require an individual to remove and surrender any item “which the constable reasonably believes that person is wearing wholly or mainly for the purpose of concealing his identity”. In the COVID-19 world, wearing a face mask while at a protest may have a very different, and legitimate, purpose. However, this law has not been amended to take account of this. Failure to remove such an item is a criminal offence (maximum penalty is a fine and/or one month imprisonment).  If a s.60 authorisation is in place, a section 60AA order automatically follows. If no section 60 authorisation is in place, a stand-alone section 60AA notice can be authorised.

Conditions on processions and assemblies. The police can impose conditions on protests through s.12 (public processions) and s.14 (public assemblies) of the Public Order Act 1984. These conditions can limit the number of people involved, the location and its duration. Under the Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, the police can obtain powers of dispersal, forcing people to leave and not return to a certain place within a specified time frame. Again, further criminal offences attracting imprisonment flow from any failure to comply.

(ABOVE IS TAKEN FROM THE SECRET BARRISTER BLOG)

Know your rights- STOP AND SEARCH.

  • Two types of S&S- Suspicion based or Suspicion-less (section 60 of Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994.)
  • Under Section 60- the police do not need reasonable grounds to search you but you must be in the area where the section 60 is currently active!!
  • Suspicion based- Police must have a genuine belief you are carrying- weapons, drugs or stolen property/item which can be used for a crime.
  • The police must also follow the correct procedure as stated under the ‘before you’re searched’ heading.
  • Your best course of action- COMPLY whether it is right or wrong. The police have the power to use ‘necessary force’ when conducting these searches. Be safe and file your report after. (REQUEST THE REPORT, AND OFFICER DETAILS!)

In a vehicle?

  • With a vehicle stop- you can be stopped at any time, they will request your driving licence and check the condition of the vehicle (you are required to stop by law.) This does not mean that they are searching your car.
  • They can also request for you to take an on the spot breath test/ walk in a straight line to see if you are driving while intoxicated. (drugs/drinking)
  • For minor offences - they can give you a penalty notice.
  • Give notice for broken headlights.
  • STOP AND SEARCH IN A VEHICLE- Similar to on foot, they must have probable cause (speeding is not one.)
  • Your best course of action? - Comply. If you feel like you are illegally being searched (whether based on race, prejudice, discrimination etc,) make sure to seek legal advice & record and report the search!

Miscellaneous.

  • The police need a warrant to search your home! If the police want to search your home; DO NOT INVITE THEM IN!

Arrest.

Arrest powers. 

Section 24 of PACE provides a general power to arrest without warrant anyone who is, or who the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting to be, about to commit an offence or anyone who is, or who the officer has reasonable grounds for suspecting to be, in the act of committing an offence.

Your rights in custody ENGLAND, IRELAND AND WALES

Young people under 18 and vulnerable adults

The police must try to contact your parent, guardian or carer if you’re under 18 or a vulnerable adult.

They must also find an ‘appropriate adult’ to come to the station to help you and be present during questioning and searching. An appropriate adult can be:

  • your parent, guardian or carer
  • a social worker
  • another family member or friend aged 18 or over
  • a volunteer aged 18 or over

The National Appropriate Adult Network provides appropriate adult services in England and Wales.

Scotland

To arrest you the police need reasonable grounds to suspect you're involved in a crime.

The police can arrest you because:

  • you're suspected of committing a crime, and the police want to question you about it
  • they have enough evidence to charge you with the crime
  • they have an arrest warrant – for example because you didn't show up to court or you broke your community sentence conditions
  • you broke conditions of a civil interdict (a court order that stops you doing certain things) with a power to arrest

The police have powers to arrest you anywhere and at any time, including on the street, at home or at work.

The police arrest procedure- Scotland

If you're arrested the police must:

  • identify themselves as the police, especially if they are not in uniform
  • tell you that you're being arrested
  • tell you the crime they think you've committed
  • explain why it's necessary to arrest you
  • tell you that you don't need to say anything other than giving your name, address, date and place of birth and nationality

The police have powers to search you when you're arrested.

Police powers to use reasonable force

If you try to escape or become violent, the police can use 'reasonable force' – such as holding you down so you can't run away or handcuffing you.

Accepting a police caution can be seen as an admission of guilt and will then form part of your criminal record. Make sure that if you are arrested, you can tell the police that you would like a lawyer from the listed numbers (linked here) and make sure you try to remember at least one of their names!

Detention.

Police Powers when detained.

The custody officer at the police station must explain your rights. You have the right to:

  • get free legal advice (DUTY SOLICITOR OR
  • tell someone where you are
  • have medical help if you’re feeling ill
  • see the rules the police must follow (‘Codes of Practice’)
  • see a written notice telling you about your rights, eg regular breaks for food and to use the toilet (you can ask for a notice in your language) or an interpreter to explain the notice.
  • You’ll be searched and your possessions will be kept by the police custody officer while you’re in the cell

For most offences the police may only detain you for a maximum of 24 hours without charging you. This can be extended with permission from an officer with the rank of superintendent or above (an extra 12 hours) or a magistrate (up to a maximum of 96 hours). You can be held without charge for up to 28 days if you’re arrested under the Terrorism Act.

IF YOU ARE NOT CHARGED WITH ANYTHING IN THE 24 HOURS, The police must release you. PACE CODE OF PRACTICE C-- Sets out guidelines for detention. Includes the requirement to explain a person’s rights while detained and the requirement to explain the rights of a person who has not been arrested that apply to a voluntary interview.

Protesting Safely- What to Bring and What to Wear.

What to Bring:

  • A small, durable bag/backpack. This can be used to carry supplies and necessities. A belt bag may be more suitable for a protest, in order to keep your hands free and to ensure there’s minimal chance that you lose your belongings.
  • Water. As temperatures are rising, hydration is crucial. You may be chanting and marching for long periods of time. Water can also be used to help clean potential wounds.
  • Protest sign. This is optional, but if you do wish to carry a sign you will have to ensure that the sign itself is clear and concise and that it is easily read from a distance. Cardboard is relatively flexible, and lightweight. You may wish to use strong adhesive to the sign and a wooden stick to create a handle. Also keep in mind that you should not littler; once you are done with your sign, dispose of it appropriately.
  • Hand sanitiser. As stated before, we are in the midst of a pandemic and it is essential that you stay protected. You may be holding hands with a stranger, grabbing on to different signs and you may even fall over. You can find large supplies of hand sanitiser in most stores now, with large quantities being stocked in stores like Home Bargains and Tesco.
  • Your ID. For identification purposes if something were to happen to you, and for your own protection, especially if you are arrested.
  • Your phone. To protect your privacy, the best course of action would be to leave your phone at home. However, if you do need to bring it, avoid using traditional phone calls and text messaging. Ensure that you disable biometric unlocking like FaceID or fingerprint features. Keep the phone on airplane mode or switched off completely until absolutely necessary.
  • A power bank. If you or a member of your group are bringing phones, you may need to charge it throughout the day. Other protestors may also wish to charge their phones.
  • Snacks. You will be protesting for a majority of your day. Pack lightweight snacks like energy bars and nuts.
  • Goggles & milk may also be appropriate but the UK don’t always use teargas.

What to Wear

  • Suitable clothing. Consider wearing all black, as this is what organisers of the protests recommend and also because it helps you blend in with the crowd. Organisers also recommend you cover any identifiable features like tattoos and distinctive (dyed) hair colours.
  • A change of clothing. Extra clothes may help if you are splashed by unknown substances or paint.
  • A face mask. There is still an ongoing pandemic occurring, and you will have to take precautions by covering your face with a face mask or with a bandana. Bring extra masks just in case.
  • Good walking shoes. You will be doing a lot of marching, and this is essential. Wear closed-toe shoes that are comfortable and good for walking long distances.
  • Gloves.
  • Make sure that tattoos are covered up and you have emergency contacts written down; INCLUDING A SOLICITOR.

WHEN PROTESTING WITH FRIENDS/FAMILY- HAVE A LOCATION PRE-ARRANGED TO MEET AT IF YOU SPLIT UP. STAY SAFE.

Petition Links.

THOSE PETITIONS THAT REQUIRE A US ZIP CODE if you live internationally-

90015 - Los Angeles, California

10001 - New York City, New York

75001 - Dallas, Texas

THESE LINKS ABOVE ARE FROM https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-0KC83vYfVQ-2freQveH43PWxuab2uWDEGolzrNoIks/mobilebasic THE REST OF THE LINKS HAVE BEEN FOUND FROM TWITTER ETC.

Donate.

The Minnesota Bail Fund has encouraged individuals to donate to different funds, as they are overwhelmed with donations and there are plenty of other organisations that need help.

Split your donation between 70+ community bail funds, mutual aid funds, and racial justice organisers.

Chicago Community Bond Fund

GoFundMe for the Charleston, SC Protestors

How to help BLM financially if you cannot afford to donate - stream this video, without skipping ads, and with the volume on (plug in headphones rather than muting the video). The money raised through AdSense will be donated to organisations.

Justice for Breonna Taylor

Destiny Harrison & her daughter Dream's Legacy

For James Scurlock's family

For Belly Mujinga's family

Donate to Show Racism the Red Card

Protest Legal Support UK

Contact Officials.

With all letters and emails to officials, it is worth trying to change a few details and add to the templates in order to avoid any potential filtering through spam filters.

Find your MP’s contact details here:

https://members.parliament.uk/members/Commons

Find your MSP’s contact details here (accept cookies for the tool to work):

https://www.parliament.scot/msps.aspx 

George Floyd

International Affairs Division

City Hall, Room 112

350 South 5th Street

Minneapolis, MN 55415

612 673 3074

Velma J. Korbel, Director

Department of Civil Rights

City Hall, Room 239

350 South 5th Street

Minneapolis, MN 55415

612 673 3012

Mayor Jacob Frey

https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/d189a2276e234cacb9f02db60dac0569 

612 673 2100

Hennepin County Attorney Mike Freeman

C-2000 Government Center

300 South 6th Street

Minneapolis, MN 55487

https://www.hennepinattorney.org/about/contact

citizeninfo@hennepin.us 

612 348 5550

MPLS FBI Field Office

763 569 8000

MPD 3rd Precinct

612 673 5703

MN Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

651 793 7000

Police Officers Federation of Minneapolis

612 788 8444

MN Precinct Inspector

sean.mcginty@minneapolisMN.gov

Commander of Training Unit

katie.blackwell@minneapolisMN.gov

police@minneapolisMN.gov

minneapolis311@minneapolisMN.gov

policereview@minneapolisMN.gov 

Barack Obama
P.O. Box 91000
Washington
DC 20066, USA

 

Black Lives Matter
press@blacklivesmatter.com

 

Civil Legal Advice (CLA)

Telephone: 0345 345 4 345

Minicom: 0345 609 6677

Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm

They can offer advice on discrimination. You can also text ‘legalaid’ to 80010 to ask CLA to call you back. This costs the same as a normal text message.

 

Donald Trump

The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20500
Phone Number: 202-456-1111

 

The US Army

https://www.army.mil/contact/

 

Equality and Human Rights Commission

Correspondence Unit

Fleetbank House

2-6 Salisbury Square

London

EC4Y 8JX

correspondence@equalityhumanrights.com

Liberty Human Rights

https://www.libertyhumanrights.org.uk/

information@libertyhumanrights.org.uk

020 7403 3888

 

 

 

 

Email and Letter Templates for your Local MPs/ Others.

Dear [MP/MSP’s name],

I write as a resident of your constituency who is deeply concerned by the scenes that we’re currently seeing in the United States of America following the murder of George Floyd, a member of the BME community, by a white Police officer who’s duty is to protect and to serve.

The circumstances, from my perspective, have brought racial inequalities to the fore of the public attention. These racial inequalities, however, are far from a topical issue—they’re firmly embedded within our society—and it’s vital that we remember them once this is over.

As my elected official, I call on you to take immediate action to protect our BME communities—both within your constituency and across the nation. I’d like to urge you to call on Her Majesty’s Government to:

1. Ban the exportation of riot control equipment—which is being used in dreadful acts of violence by law enforcement personnel—to the United States;

2. Condemn Donald Trump’s authorisation of the use of force against his own citizens;

3. Release the now-delayed report into the disproportionate death toll within BME communities due to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19); and

4. Ensure that the Department for Education incorporate the invaluable role that BME communities have played in the history of this nation, and the often unfair treatment that they have—and still do—receive based on the colour of their skin.

It sickens me to the very bottom of my heart that this is an issue on which I’m having to write to you in 2020. I do hope that you take immediate action to protect, and to begin to restore trust with, our BME communities.

I will be making this letter public.

Yours sincerely,

[Your name].

Dear [MP & MSP]

My name is [your name], and I am a constituent of yours in [constituency]. My address is [your full address here].

I am writing to you today as I have been deeply disturbed by the systematic racism I am learning about in both America and here in the UK.

I write to demand -

1. The immediate suspension of UK sales of teargas, riot shields & rubber bullets to the US amidst these anti-racism protests.

2. That the UK condemns Trump's use of force against his own citizens.

3. That the UK release the delayed and uncensored report into BAME COVID deaths.

4. That there is further action and investigation into the death of Belly Mujinga.

5. Further investigation into the death of Sheku Bayoh, who died in police custody in Scotland.

6. John Swinney, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, is pushed to enforce honest UK Black and minority ethnic history within the Scottish school curriculum.

It saddens me to my core that this is an issue to be dealt with in 2020.

I hope the Scottish and UK government will be putting in significant work to address and assist in the resolve of these issues.

Regards,

[name]

The following surrounding Belly Mujinga is based on information from: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ZIly82w6sx4P838eroDNRhpi6-81B-5zsfbL1_Cpymo/edit?usp=sharing

Subject line: Justice for Belly Mujinga

Dear (Name of MP),

My name is ______, I am a resident of _______. I am emailing today on behalf of the Belly Mujinga investigation as it has now been announced no further action will be taken to investigate her death. I am demanding justice for Belly Mujinga, as a black woman working on the front lines during this pandemic, she was assaulted; being spat and coughed on was a racially aggravated assault to put her life in danger. The circumstances of her death deserve an exhaustive effort from the full extent of law enforcement to bring the individual that attacked her to justice. I refuse to sit and silently watch as her death goes unnoticed and no one is held accountable. I demand black British citizens be valued enough to seek complete justice for their deaths and it is unacceptable that the investigation of Belly Mujinga be handled incompetently.

It is claimed that an incident occurred on CCTV but nobody spat on Belly; we need the BTP to release the footage. If that is the case, we need the BTP to explain to us whether eye witnesses were lying about the spitting and coughing incident, we need them to explain why an antibody test is sufficient evidence that this person did not have coronavirus. Further to that, spitting and coughing on someone during a viral pandemic whilst being aware that you have symptoms of a deadly virus is a clear sign of intent, and should be considered a serious assault regardless of whether they test negative. Has this been investigated? Has the BTP investigated the workplace mistreatment of Belly by her employer?

The public deserve transparency of what exactly the British Transport Police are doing, what actions they have taken to investigate the circumstances of her death and the unsafe conditions her employer, Govia Thameslink Railway, allowed her to work under. We demand this investigation be reopened until sufficient answers are provided to Belly Mujinga’s family.

Black Lives Matter.

Regards,

Template for email TWO to TSSA and Govia Thameslink Railway (provided by @Directoromok on twitter):

Contacts list:

  1. Manuel Cortes, GenSec of TSSA, cortesmanuel@hotmail.com , cortesm@tssa.org.uk 
  2. Patrick Verwer, CEO of Govia Thameslink Railway, Patrick.Verwer@gtrailway.com 

Dear Representatives of the TSSA,

I am writing to you in regards to the recent death of Belly Mujinga, her death follows after an assault was carried out on 21st March in which her and colleagues were spat at and coughed on during their shift at London Victoria Station.

As I am sure you are aware, it was revealed on 29th May that The British Transport Police ruled that they believed there was no link between the act of assault and her death and stated that ‘no further action will be taken’, closing the case. In spite of this Ms. Mujinga’s passing on 5th April comes just two weeks after the assault had taken place and after several days having been admitted to hospital and testing positive for COVID-19.

Following the outcome in regards to Ms. Mujinga’s death and The British Transport Police’s dismissal of the case, I urge you as the TSSA to which Ms. Mujinga was a member of to take action on her behalf and to that of her loved ones following her death. As an essential worker, Ms. Mujinga was failed by the union to be protected as following she had expressed concerns for her wellbeing due to respiratory issues. Ms. Mujinga made appeals to work away from crowds at the busy station due to there being no PPE provided for railway workers, her concerns were inadequately dismissed.

Unfortunately in spite of the assault carried out and Ms. Mujinga’s passing it was reported by The Independent in an article released on 14th May by a worker at London Victoria station that “There’s not much being done to check all the staff, today is the first day we have had masks.” Going forward, it shows that there is no matter of urgency being placed in order to protect and ensure the safety of railway workers to prevent such an act happening again in the future.

As a concerned individual I urge you to recognise the needs of more effective regulations and protection of railway workers during this time and for an assault similar to that of Ms Mujinga which effectively cost her life does not take place again.

Regards,

(Your Name)

Current Events.

When are people protesting and what is happening to those in America?

THANK YOU TO THE AMERICAN DOC FOR THIS INFORMATION. WE WILL ADD UK UPDATES HERE TOO!

  • Twitter thread of missing people (@pinnocksworld)
  • Twitter thread of missing people 2 (@BirthWomb)
  • REPORT THESE ACCOUNTS They have been tagging police and media on posts
  • Re: (6/2 Minneapolis, MN) Iyanna Adior, a Black trans woman, was beaten over a fender bender as over 30 cis bystanders stood by Cashapp: $NajaBabiie
  • Re: (6/1 London, UK) Harriet (18) last seen on Rye Lane in Peckham has gone missing More info
  • Re: (6/1 Jacksonville, FL) Martin Folsom graduates valedictorian, despite battling homelessness. Something positive because uplifting the Black community is also important. Congratulations Martin! Cashapp: $Mars1908
  • Re: (6/1 Louisville, KY) David McAtee (unarmed) shot and killed by LMPD Donate
  • Re: (6/1 Los Angeles, CA) LA’s budget is due June 1 and $3B will go to the police
  • Demand that Councilmember Nury Martinez (@cd6nury on Instagram) call an emergency meetings councilmember.martinez@lacity.org (818) 771-0236 Petition
  • "Adopt a People's Budget" toolkit
  • Re: (5/31 Nigeria) tw rape-  
  • Farishina (12) was raped by 11 men. They have been arrested but please donate to the girl to support her with counselling, medical bills, secondary education, and food.
  • Info and story on the Twitter thread linked Donate    International Donations
  • Re: (5/31 Poughkeepsie, NY) Adriana Cassarino racist Snapchat; Attends Marist College. President Dennis Murray: dennis.murray@marist.edu (845) 575-3226
  • Re: (5/30 Baltimore, MD) Alajunaye Davis (16) shot in a drive-by  Donate (funeral arrangements)
  • Re: (5/30 Chicago, IL) Justin Cosby missing after peacefully protesting
  • UPDATE: He has been in the 1st precinct all along. The precinct has been telling people to check hospitals and different precincts
  • Re: (5/30 Brooklyn, NY) cop broke protester’s wrist (more info needed)
  • Re: (5/30 Omaha, NE) James Scurlock murdered by white supramcist Jake Gardner at protest. County Attorney: (402) 444-7040.   Omaha Mayor Hotline: (402) 444-5555
  • OPD: (402) 444-5600                      Donate
  • Re: (5/30 Seattle, WA) officer puts knee on a protester’s neck
  • Re: (5/30 Dallas, TX) tw: rape, death, assault
  • Jamilia Stroye was stabbed to death by a predator after exposing her mother’s boyfriend for being a pedo
  • Re: (5/30 Seattle, WA) the man who maced a young girl at the Seattle protest
  • Jared Campbell #8470. Office of police accountability: (206) 684-8797 opa@seattle.gov   Chief: Carmen Best  File an anonymous complaint       Petition to fire him
  • Re: (5/30 Denver, CO) the woman who drove over a pedestrian during a peaceful protest in Denver
  • Jennifer Watson
  • Owner of JP Watson Interiors
  • Denver sheriff: (720) 337-0194
  • Hate crime hotline: (720) 913-6458
  • Petition
  • Re: (5/30 Visalia, CA) Trump supporters who ran over protesters
  • Re: (5/30 Los Angeles, CA) cop responsible for telling others to turn off their body cameras
  • Tobias Raya
  • (310) 253-6318
  • tobias.raya@culvercity.org
  • More cops with their body cams off listed in the link above
  • Re: (5/30 Chicago, IL) @slutchanwoo on twt: “Here’s the face of the bastard who grabbed me by the throat and told me not to fucking touch him (I didn’t) and threw me to the ground”
  • Re: (5/29-present Los Angeles, CA) LAPD Union attorney Marla Brown repeatedly tweets that protesters should be shot
  • Re: (5/29 Minneapolis, MN) woman kidnapped - license plate EEV701

                  Mixed updates? Unsure of her status at the moment. Some people said it was a misunderstanding/argument with her boyfriend but that’s difficult to prove

  • Re: (5/28 Bronx, NY) Jylynn Izquierdo (17) missing since 6:30pm 5/28
  • Last seen wearing black joggers and black sweater, hair down loose and curly
  • Went to find her cat that had gotten out and never returned
  • Re: (5/22 Brent, London) Daniel Adelabu missing
  • Call or text 116 000 (free, 24hr, confidential)
  • To donate £3: text HOPE to 70707
  • More info
  • Re: (8/24 Aurora, IL) Elijah McClain (23) attacked by a group of cops even though he was unarmed and innocent.
  • More courses of action needed (petitions, gfm’s, etc…)

Numbers to call if arrested.

  • Black and Green Cross- Protest Support Line: 07946 541 511
  • Hodge, Allen & Jones (HJA) Solicitors- 0808 291 2013
  • ITN Solicitors - 020 3909 8100
  • BINDMANS - 0207 833 4433 (OUT OF HOURS- 020 7305 5638)
  • Kelly’s - 01273 674 898 (OUT OF HOURS- 0800 387 463)