Now UN says racism is at heart of UK society

‘STRUCTURAL racism’ is rooted at the heart of British society, a United Nations panel claimed last night.

A group of human rights experts cited police data showing a disproportionate number of people from ethnic minorities died as a result of excessive force.

They said those of African or Caribbean descent were particularly affected. And they highlighted the fact there has never been a successful prosecution of a police officer for a death in custody.

‘This points to the lack of accountability and the impunity with which law enforcement and state agencies operate,’ the UN human rights panel said. ‘The deaths reinforce the experiences of structural racism, over-policing and criminalisation of people of African descent and other minorities in the UK.’

The experts also said people from black and minority ethnic backgrounds were three times more likely than whites to be subjected to the use of stun guns by police. It comes after a report last year by David Lammy, the Labour MP for Tottenham, found racial disparities across the criminal justice system.

At least five black men died in the UK after restraint by police last year. They were Edson Da Costa, 25, in Newham, East London; Darren Cumberbatch, 32, in Nuneaton, Warwickshire; Shane Bryant, 29, in Leicestershire; Rashan Charles, 20, in Hackney, East London; and Nuno Cardoso, 25, in Oxford.

Deborah Coles, of Inquest, which supports the families of people who die in police custody, said: ‘The racial stereotype of the black man as “violent” and “volatile” can lead to the disproportionate and fatal use of force.’

A Home Office spokesman said: ‘The Government takes allegations of police racism very seriously and expects them to be investigated thoroughly. Any use of force by the police must be necessary, reasonable and proportionate.’