PM slams ‘appalling’ attack by US officer
BORIS Johnson has condemned the killing of George Floyd by police as “appalling and inexcusable”.
In his first public comments on the case which has triggered mass protests and rioting across the US, the Prime Minister said he “understood” why so many people were taking to the streets.
Mr Johnson spoke after the issue was raised by Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer at Prime Minister’s Questions yesterday.
Sir Keir said: “I hope that the next time he speaks to President Trump he will convey to him the UK’s abhorrence about his response to the events.”
Mr Johnson responded, saying: “I think that what happened in the United States was appalling and inexcusable. We all saw it on our screens.
Raise
“I perfectly understand people’s right to protest at what took place, although obviously I also believe that protests should take place in a lawful and reasonable way.”
Ian Blackford, Scottish National Party leader at Westminster, urged him to raise the issue with Mr Trump and referenced the anti-racist campaign Black Lives Matter .
He said: “May I ask him what representations he has made to his ally Donald Trump?
“And at the very least, Prime Minister, say it now: black lives matter.”
Mr Johnson told him: “Of course black lives matter, and I totally understand the anger and the grief that is felt not just in America, but around the world and in our country as well.
“The only point I would make to the House is that protests should be carried out lawfully.”