Leader’s statement on Black Lives Matter protests

Councillor Alyson Barnes, Leader of the Council, said in a statement:

“We have all been shocked, appalled and outraged by yet another death of a black person in police custody.

“George Floyd’s death and the subsequent largely peaceful protests have shone a light on the racism and hatred experienced by many across the world, sadly including in our own country.

“As a council, we stand in solidarity with all those fighting hatred and discrimination – the victimisation of anyone because of their race is an abhorrence that has no place in civilised society. We must challenge oppression wherever we find it even if we find it in our cherished institutions.

“Rossendale has a proud history of standing up to racism and discrimination. We are friendly folk here, a borough that comes together to help each other at times of crisis. But even we must acknowledge that racism and hatred can exist in our community and all right-minded people should stand up to it and not allow it to fester.

“I want to thank the organisers of the Black Lives Matter vigil in Rawtenstall. They exercised their democratic right to protest injustice peacefully and ensured social distancing.”

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