Lord Simon Wooley tells MPF members, “We’re fighting the pandemic of instutitonal racism.”
The Muslim Professionals Forum (MPF) held a virtual meeting last weekend to discuss whether racism, and particularly Islamophobia, still militate against BAME and Muslim communities becoming engaged in the democratic process. It was addressed by Lord Simon Woolley, founder of Operation Black Vote. A recording of the meeting is available on the MPF Facebook page.
Lord Simon Woolley set out the view that the BAME community is fighting an international pandemic of institutional racism which tolerates BAME people suffering from Covid in disproportionately high numbers and in which institutional racism leads to the death of black men on the streets in the USA and to more incidents of stop and search in the UK.
We should never have elected a mayor and assembly for London. I personally voted against it all those years ago. I think it would have been a lot better with an assembly made up of London Members of Parliament, with them electing a leader and deputy if necessary.
Think of the money we would be save. The meetings could take place in the House of Commons before normal Parliament business starts.
Well I must finish now, I’ve got to get onto e-Bay for some waterproof clothes and a decent second-hand bike. On the other hand, at my age, I don’t think I’ll bother, I might not be here anyway (ha-ha)!
Coronavirus: let’s build a better society in memory of the 100,000 people who have died
This week Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the terrible news that the number of people in the UK who have died from Coronavirus has exceeded 100,000.
He pledged that when we have “come through this crisis we will come together as a nation to remember everyone we lost and to honour the selfless heroism of all those on the front line who gave their lives to save others.”
The Muslim Professionals Forum called the 100,000 deaths a “grim milestone”. The UK has the highest death rate in Europe – and it remains very high. One hundred thousand people have died, but those whom they have left behind are suffering too, as they mourn their grandparent, parent, relative or friend who has been taken away by this deadly virus.
Readers letters
Nurses hold a meeting on a Covid-19 ward
- Credit: PA
Poetic tribute to our NHS staff
Rose Sharpstone, Vienna Close, Ilford, writes:
Anatomy Lesson
These are the arms that turn over and lift
These are the feet that pace the floor that wheel the bed through the door
These are the ears that listen to the chest
These are the eyes that read the notes to decide what’s best
These are the nostrils at risk and so brave, that belong to the nurse determined to save
These are the knees that bend and implore their God that Covid should be no more