Subject: UK Action against Police Brutality and Racism

Dear ______

In the last few days we have seen mass protests across America against the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis, police brutality, and wider anti-Black racism. Shocking footage of Mr. Floyd’s last moments has been shared widely, and similarly disturbing footage of police treatment of protesters is now flooding social media. We in the UK cannot and must not see this as a uniquely American problem over which we have no influence. We can’t close our eyes to what is happening both in the US and here. We have got to imagine and fight for a better world and a better future. I am writing to ask for your help, as my elected MP, in this.

Firstly, I am demanding the immediate end of UK sales of tear gas, riot shields and rubber bullets, along with any other equipment being used to harm protesters. Protest is a human right and yet horrific images and footage are being broadcast by protesters, observers and journalists which show police using unnecessary violence and brutality to suppress peaceful expression.  Downing Street has described the situation as ‘very alarming’. Now it is time for the government to put this sentiment into action. According to The Independent, government records show that the UK grants export licenses worth millions of pounds for the sale of the aforementioned arms. The UK government must not only condemn this force but take an active stand against it by immediately stopping exports which may directly be harming civilians exercising their right to free speech and protest.

Alongside this end to sales, I am asking for an unequivocal condemnation of President Trump’s use of force against US citizens, as well as his threats to escalate this force. Last night, President Trump threatened to send the military into cities or states where largely peaceful protests are taking place, regardless of the approval of the state’s governing bodies. This is indescribably dangerous, incendiary and will very likely lead to loss of life. The UK government must condemn this explicitly.

Finally, the UK must also hear the message of the protesters and commit not just to non-racism, but active anti-racism. Public Health England’s official review which was released today has confirmed that BAME communities have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Stating these disparities is not enough: it must come alongside acknowledgment of government accountability and a plan of how BAME communities can and will be better protected in future.  The government must also understand that any demonstrations, protests or other civil action following the release of this report must be treated peacefully and respectfully, acknowledging they may have been unnecessary if different actions had been taken by the government, both historically and today. The Windrush scandal and the Grenfell fire are just two recent examples of a long history of mistreatment and neglect of marginalised communities: the anger, pain, grief and frustration felt as a result has not been forgotten.

I am, of course, aware of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the risks that mass protest or demonstration poses to public health. It is therefore of paramount importance that the government addresses these issues now before the public feels it has no other choice but to act. Ignoring the issue will only lead to escalation. It is therefore also of the utmost importance that MPs communicate with their constituents about these issues laying out what is being done to address the concerns expressed in this email, which are shared by many across the UK.

Thank you for your time. I hope to hear from you soon regarding steps that will be taken to address both this urgent situation and the systemic injustices and inevitable anger that has led to it.

Yours sincerely,

________ (Name)

_______ (Address including postcode)