Weekly Update – 05/06/20

This week the brutal murder of George Floyd led to millions of people around the globe standing up and saying enough is enough. Black lives matter. Progress against systemic racism and police violence has been too slow, both in the United States, here in the UK and around the world. I’m optimistic that this is a moment of real change around the world and we can all play our part in making that change happen.

We should play not part in helping Trump attack protesters

Many constituents have contacted me, supporting calls for the Government to suspend the sale of teargas, riot shields and rubber bullets to the United States. I completely support this and it is now Labour policy. President Trump is attempting to repress peaceful protest with the use of force and we should have no part to play in that. I’ve joined other MPs across Parliament in signing a joint letter to the secretary of International Trade calling on the Government to suspend these sales and I will continue to put any pressure I can on the Government.

We must teach black history

As a result of the Black Lives Matter movement, every day, practical solutions are being put forward which promise to combat institutional racism. One of those is making it compulsory to teach black history in schools. I agree that this would be a great first step. If we are to end systemic racism, then Education will play a central role in that. The way we currently teach history in schools is far from adequate and making the teaching of black history compulsory would be a great start in fixing that.

Justice for Belly Mujinga

The terrible death of Belly Mujinga has touched many in Edmonton and across the country. I’ve received hundreds of emails over the last week demanding Justice for Belly Mujinga. They are absolutely right to make that demand. Belly’s employer Govia Thameslink failed to protect her and I’m concerned about the transparency of the transport police investigation into Belly’s death. I’ve written to Transport Police and Govia Thameslink for answers.

BAME COVID-19 Deaths

Public Health England’s report into BAME COVID-19 deaths was released last week after the Government initialled delayed publishing it for fear of what reaction it might cause. The report confirmed what we already knew, that BAME people are disproportionately more likely to die as a result of COVID-19.

The response of the Government has been to launch another review in this report. While that is welcome, we also need action. There is so much more the Government could be doing if it took this issue seriously. The Government must act immediately to protect BAME people so that no more lives are lost. The Government’s Race Disparity Unit should immediately publish recommendations, along with a detailed action plan on how they will be implemented. The is an emergency, the Government should treat it like one.

The Government was wrong to end the hybrid parliament

This week the Government ended the hybrid parliament, thinking that if Boris Johnson had MPs behind him his performance at PMQ’s might be less embarrassing. Not only did Boris Johnson’s performance not improve but in ending the Hybrid parliament the Government has disenfranchised millions of voters whose MPs are not allowed to enter parliament as a result of the pandemic.

This is a clear case of disability discrimination and puts the health of staff and MPs at risk. The Hybrid parliament should continue to allow all MPs to vote and do their job. Sadly, it looks like the Government will not reverse the decision until an MP or staff member gets seriously ill.

Thank you for taking the time to read my latest update, if you have any issues that you would like to raise directly with me then please do email edmontonconstiuency@parliament.uk. I’m always happy to help whenever possible.

Kind regards,

Kate Osamor MP