Tories hit out at support for Black Lives Matter
CONSERVATIVES in Kirklees have accused the ruling Labour administration of “blatant support for an extremist group” for its backing of the Black Lives Matter movement.
But Kirklees Council leader Shabir Pandor has said the Labour group supports “the message of equality, not a political organisation”.
Black Lives Matter became a worldwide slogan for equality following the death of George Floyd in America on May 25.
It resulted in protests across the country and in Huddersfield.
But following the decision of the Premier League to distance itself from the politicisation of the Black Lives Matter movement, which saw some players take the knee in solidarity, Kirklees Council has been attacked on social media.
Conservative councillor Richard Smith, who represents Kirkburton, wrote on Twitter: “It ain’t just the PL [Premier League] that needs to take a long hard look at itself. Many large companies/orgs including @KirkleesCouncil @ kirkleeslabour should be apologetic for their blatant support of this extremist organisation.”
In a reference to a Kirklees Council video showing Clr Pandor and his Cabinet taking the knee in support of the #BlackLivesMatter campaign he added: “Are #kirkleescabinet still taking the knee?”
Clr Pandor authorised the illumination in purple of several key sites across the borough including Castle Hill - as part of an anti-racism message, and has committed to reviewing all monuments in Kirklees.
Responding to Clr Smith, Clr Pandorsaid: “We support the message of equality, not a political organisation.
“Black Lives Matter is about people being discriminated against because of the colour of their skin.
“I see diversity as one of the biggest strengths of Kirklees and we will achieve a lot more if we can collectively work together, talk through our differences and agree on a common way forward to eradicate inequality in all its forms.”
He added: “The words ‘Black Lives Matter’ to us mean everyone coming together to say that it is unacceptable to treat black people differently to anyone else.
“Our biggest strength in Kirklees is our diversity and that is something we’re truly proud to be part of.”
Conservatives in Kirklees said inequalities could best be tackled via education rather than by pulling down statues.
Tory Clr John Taylor claimed Black Lives Matter promoted the de-fundingof the police, the destruction of capitalism and stopping the war on drugs.