Dear reader,

Last summer the whole world was rocked by the Black Lives Matter movement following the death of George Floyd. It forced society to hold a mirror up to itself and confront its deep rooted issues with systemic racism and unconscious bias. A great deal of healing, understanding and allyship came from all the conversations that took place.

Almost one year on and change has begun, but is not yet far reaching enough especially in the most important and influential systems in the UK i.e. the criminal justice system, the education system, the health service and the business sector despite the apparent empathy shown by huge swathes of people across the country in numerous sectors.

It is time that some tangible changes are made to safeguard the freedoms of minorities in the UK and to demonstrate the UK’s commitment to democracy and equality for all. It is time to have those difficult conversations in order to save lives and improve the quality of life for a minority population which has contributed so much to the United Kingdom and deserves better.

We believe that the London Mayoral Candidates should give thought to, and make a plan to address, the inequalities facing the Black Community. We believe that the Black Community Manifesto (UK) sets out some key reforms which would go a significant way to bringing about change for the black community. In the areas that sit outside the London Mayor's power, they should commit to using their influence.

We therefore call for the 2021 London Mayoral Candidates to respond to the Black Community (UK) Manifesto and specifically the following points:

1. Radical antiracism and unconscious bias training to be introduced across the police force

2. Identifying information to be redacted from case information passed on to the Crown Prosecution Service by the police, allowing the CPS to make race-blind decisions.*

3. In depth review into the use of tasers by the police force

4. Implement the recommendations from the Windrush Lessons Learned Review, in full, as a matter of urgency*

5. Review and address why Black women are dying disproportionately in pregnancy or childbirth*

6. Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) to appoint Black commissioner*

BLM London
#EthnicityPayGap Campaign
Black Association for Arts
The Black Knowledge Society
Africa Diaspora Public Affairs Committee CIC
Croydon BME Forum
Central & North West London NHS
Renowned
The Africa Centre
Together for Mental Wellbeing
Noire Wellness
AVIARD
The Midi Music Company
No Ordinary Book Shop
Jazz re:freshed Ltd
Ferocious Talent
Savvy Noise
Citycounsellor.com
Big Drum Entertainment

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[Signatures from politicians and political party representatives will not be accepted in this open letter to preserve its political neutrality]

REFERENCES:
POINTS 2  - DAVID LAMMY REVIEW RECOMMENDATION
POINT 4, 5, 6 - BLACK PEOPLE, RACISM AND HUMAN RIGHTS REPORT