Institutional racism a UK problem, says Khan
Most organisations in Britain have problems with“institutional racism ”, the London mayor has claimed.
Sadiq Khan called on those at the top of institutions to ensure there is zero tolerance towards racism, as he said the country has been “too slow” in tackling the problem.
Mr Khan told ITV’S Peston on Sunday that, 25 years on from the murder of Stephen Lawrence, there had been “huge progress” in tack ling the issue, but added: “We should be impatient for change.”
He said there needed to be more police officers from ethnic minorities who are pro - moted to the top levels of the police service.
And Mr Khan added: “I think most institutions in our country have problems with institutional racism .”
He continued :“I suspect there is still unwitting prejudice in the main political parties, dare I say it in ITV, dare I say it in the police service and other public authorities as well. The key thing is the leadership at the top must make sure there is a zero tolerance towards this, we have policies in place and an action plan to address that.
“I think we’ve been too slow and we’re going to accelerate the progress.”
Mr Khan also called on US president Donald Trump to apologise for ret weeting the tweet sofa far-right group which has been set up “intentionally to sow these seeds of division”.
Last year, Mr Trump was heavily criticised after he re- tweeted three videos posted by Britain First deputy leader Jayda Fransen.
Mr Trump is set to visit the UK in July and Mr Khan said he believed there would be protests, but urged :“They must be peaceful, they must be lawful.”
Asked whether he would join the protests, Mr Khan said: “As the mayor of London, it’s probably inappropriate for me to join a protest when foreign leaders come to the UK.”