PM attacks ‘inexcusable’ death as pressure rises on riot gear exports

THE DEATH of George Floyd which has triggered protests across the US was “inexcusable”, Boris Johnson said in his first public comments on the row.

The Prime Minister came under pressure to halt exports of riot control gear to the US after President Donald Trump called for the authorities to “dominate” protesters and threatened to deploy the military. Protests have swept across America following the death of Mr Floyd, a black man who had his neck knelt on by a white police officer in Minneapolis, with some of the demonstrations ending in violent clashes.

Mr Johnson said: “I think what happened in the United States was appalling, it was inexcusable, we all saw it on our screens and I perfectly understand people’s right to protest what took place.

“Though obviously I also believe that protest should take place in a lawful and reasonable way.”

He told MPs: “Of course black lives matter and I totally understand the anger, the grief that is felt, not just in America but around the world and in our country as well.”

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer

urged Mr Johnson to speak to Mr Trump and “convey to him the UK’s abhorrence about his response to the events”.

The SNP’s Westminster leader Ian Blackford pressed the Government over the export of riot control equipment from the UK to the US.

Mr Johnson responded: “I’m happy to look into any complaints but as he knows all exports are conducted in accordance with the consolidated guidance and the UK is possibly the most scrupulous country in that respect in the world.”