Black Lives Matter
/Alan Brown MP stands in solidarity with Black Lives Matters.
The representative for Kilmarnock and Loudoun is calling on the UK Government to ban the sale of arms to the US and condemned Donald Trump and his administration for their handling of protests.
Mr Brown has signed two Early Day Motions and has pledged to write to the Foreign & Commonwealth Office over the ugly scenes we are seeing across the Atlantic.
However, the SNP MP recognises this is not just an American problem, but one which affects the whole world.
Commenting, Mr Brown said:
“The scenes we are witnessing at the moment are terrifying. This is not just the murder of one innocent man, it is generations of systemic racism throughout the US police force and western society in general.
“The amount of emails I have received on this issue from constituents emphasises this. This is not just a problem for American society to deal with, we cannot turn our backs and turn a blind eye. We have a duty as human beings to not stand for this and the best way to do this is get our own house in order, as we also must do more to eradicate racism from our society.
“This week I have signed EDM 525 which calls for the UK Government to support the Black Lives Matter movement. I have also signed EDM 520 calls on the Government to ensure the immediate suspension of sales of teargas, riot shields and rubber bullets to the United States. Additionally, I will write to the FCO (Foreign & Commonwealth Office) to investigate whether UK defence equipment has been used for internal repression in the United States.
“The protests we are seeing are really becoming ugly and this is being fuelled by the response of Donald Trump’s administration. Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are fundamental rights that every government must respect, including the United States.
“We expect the United States security forces to exercise maximum restraint in handling the protests and for protestors to be able to demonstrate peacefully. Any violence is unacceptable and the rights to freedom of expression and assembly must be guaranteed and protected by the government.
“As well attacks on protestors, I have to categorically stand up against violence directed at journalists and the media.
“Freedom of the press and freedom of expression and fundamental pillars of our democratic society and there must be no hold-up from the UK Government in condemning the arrest and assault of journalists and media for simply doing their job.”
