Council leader says "racism has no place in Kirklees"

Kirklees Council have issued a statement, highlighting their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Council Leader Shabir Pandor voices his support for the Black Lives Matter movement.Council Leader Shabir Pandor voices his support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
Council Leader Shabir Pandor voices his support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

In light of the murder of African American George Floyd, Kirklees Council has condemned racism, saying it "has no place in Kirklees or anywhere else in the world."

George Floyd was killed by the Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who has now been charged with second degree murder.

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Chauvin killed Floyd, a 46-year-old unarmed black man, after pressing his knee into Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes.

Three other police officers were at the scene and face counts of aiding and abetting murder.

Floyd's death has resulted in protests in support of the Black Lives Matter movement across the world.

Kirklees Council has stated that it "supports those peacefully protesting for equality."

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Tonight (June 5), the council will be lighting up town halls and Castle Hill purple as a symbol of solidarity.

They have also expressed their sympathies for George Floyd's family and their support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Councillor Shabir Pandor, Leader of Kirklees Council, said: “Racism has no place in Kirklees or anywhere else in the world. Our biggest strength in Kirklees is our diversity and that is something I’m truly proud to be part of.

“I’m deeply disturbed by the death of George Floyd. This has rightly shocked and outraged the world and we at Kirklees Council stand with those who are peacefully protesting.

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“We wanted to display this in some way and that is why we will be lighting our town halls purple.

“Our action on Friday is an important symbol of solidarity but we know it needs to be supported by long term action. Change will only be long lasting if we can build an economy that is inclusive, where children can achieve their potential and where our recovery from the pandemic tackles inequality head on.”