‘There’s appetite for

It has an impact on all of us, says council leader

COUNCIL l eader Joh n Alexander believes the thousands who engaged with a planned protest against racism in Dundee shows there is appetite for change in the city.

The demonstration, which has now been postponed due to fears over the coronavirus pandemic, was expected to attract around 2,000 people after it was arranged by activist Joy Gansh.

It had been sparked by the death of George Floyd, a black American, in police custody in Minnesota.

Hundreds of protests have taken place across the world since the incident almost a fortnight ago, with the Black Lives Matter movement continuing to gather pace.

Mr Alexander believes it can only be seen as positive that so many are engaging and learning more about racism.

He said: “I think it shows that there is a broader awareness of the issues.

“Sometimes you can see these things on the news, and it seems like a distant issue, something that doesn’t directly impact on your life or the people you interact with.

“But the reality is, it has an impact on all of us, and it’s just one example – and there are countless examples – of some of the inequalities that exist in our society.

“It’s no bad thing for people to be openly discussing, debating, challenging views, and putting them out there, I think that is what democracy is all about.

“It’s the only way that things will change, if people challenge them, if people are vocal about what they feel those inequalities are and how we can seek to tackle them.

“So I think the fact we’ve got that number of people sign up to say, ‘I want to support this’, in any way, shape or form is a great thing. It shows that we’ve got a population here in Dundee that is engaged in that broader suite of issues and want to do something about it.

“I’m not a politician for being a politician’s sake. Like those 2,000 people, I just had very strong views and wanted to do the best for my society and my city to improve things, and I think that’s exactly what they’re trying to do. So I think it’s a good thing for all of us.”

Protests were still taking place in other parts of Scotland yesterday, with an event in Glasgow Green attracting hundreds of protesters.

There was also a smaller event held at City Square by the Young Socialist group – but many have aired fears over the precautions taken by those taking to the streets during the current coronavirus pandemic.

Mr Alexander said he was pleased the Dundee event had been called off until a later, safer date, could be organised.

He said: “I think it’s fantastic that people are showing that solidarity. And I think part of the reason it was cancelled was because of the number of people who wanted to attend.

“So it’s a good thing that people are showing their support for that wider agenda of tackling some of the inequalities that exist in society.

“But I’ve been quite alarmed when I’ve looked at some of the pictures from across the globe, some of those protests, that many aren’t adhering to social distancing, many aren’t wearing face masks, and there is a real risk there that people are doing a great thing for a great cause, but they’re also potentially causing greater risk and greater harm by not following the guidance.

“So, I think it’s right when the numbers dictated that social distancing wasn’t going to be possible, to take a step back and review where we’re at, and I know they’re talking about postponing it for perhaps a later date.”

CRIES against injustice have reverberated around world: See Ewan Gurr on page 11.