Cambridge City Councillors and MP for the city Daniel Zeichner this week welcomed the news that the Guildhall would be illuminated in purple in remembrance of George Floyd, whose murder has led to days of protest and civil unrest in the United States.

Newly elected Mayor, Cllr Russ McPherson, spoke about the importance of sending a clear message to the rest of the world that our city stands alongside the community in Minneapolis.

“Racism has no place in Cambridge, and we are proud to be sending this message and making a clear stand against prejudice and hatred in all its forms.”

His comments were echoed by Anna Smith, the Executive Councillor for Communities who oversees the council’s work on equality and diversity;

“Like so many in our city, I am shocked, saddened and angry at the terrible news from the US.  Cambridge strives to be a safe, welcoming and inclusive city, and I’m proud of our diverse communities. As our equality pledge puts it, we believe in the dignity of all people, and their right to respect and equality. And that is why we are lighting the Guildhall as we stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matters campaign.”

MP Daniel Zeichner contrasted Cambridge’s quick response to the news from the United States with the UK government’s inaction and refusal to acknowledge the disproportionate effect of COVID19 on BAME communities.

“I am shocked by the horrendous events we are seeing in cities across America and by the use of violence against peaceful protesters. What President Trump says often shocks me, but his recent comments are particularly alarming.

In Cambridge, we have seen a huge outpouring of both sympathy and support for those protesting in America. Our city once again is showing we stand united against racism and intolerance.

Meanwhile the Government’s response is to delay the release of a report into the unequal suffering of the BAME community due to coronavirus. You really could not make it up. The Government has made completely the wrong decision. We need to learn lessons right now to prevent more deaths.”