Call for clarity over Black Lives Matter

UNISON — the country’s biggest trade union — has called on the leader ofWokingham Borough Council to clarifywhether the authoritywill continue to support the Black Lives Matter campaign, as a matter of urgency.

The call comes after Cllr John Halsall announced at a council meeting on Tuesday,

June 16, that the Black Lives Matter campaign group had “become a political organisation” and the borough council could not support the movement at the risk of becoming “a political football”.

Now, the union has written to the council chief executive, Susan Parsonage to raise concerns about Cllr Halsall’s remarks and ask that she consider the message that this sends out to council staff and residents.

Unison is also asking for assurances that

Cllr Halsall’s remarks do not represent council policy, but merely his own views.

Central and East Berks Unison will also be writing to leaders of neighbouring councils to ask them for their support.

Speaking on behalf of Unison at the council, branch secretaryMiriam Palfrey said: “As a union we see first hand the disparity faced by our Black members.

“We are committed to challenging racism where we find it and to educate when we see ignorant statements that misrepresent people or put up barriers to equality and justice.

“Members feel angry and hurt at Cllr Halsall's words and we would like to see him re-examine his position”.

Last week, Cllr Halsall apologised for linking the events in Forbury Gardens on Saturday, June 20, with the Black Lives Matter campaign.

And he has also released a statement outlining why he feels the council cannot support the movement.

“I completely support the message, principles and all the aims of Black Lives Matter in the UK,” he said.

“I have always been opposed to discrimination in all its forms and understand the need today to have a clear focus of tackling racismwherever it is found.

“I recognise the pain that racism has caused across the borough and beyond; I sense the injustices.

“I commit myself and this authority to understanding them and combating them.”