Black Lives Matter

Following the death of George Floyd, a black man who was murdered by a white Police Officer in Minneapolis, USA, I have joined with many of my colleagues to stand in solidarity with the Black Lives Matter campaign.

My fellow SNP MPs, Anne McLaughlin and Kirsten Oswald have tabled Early Day Motion #525 in Parliament stating ‘That this House supports the Black Lives Matter campaign’, which I have signed.

Rightly, the murder has caused outraged, both in the US and across the world, and protesters have been taking to the streets to make their voices heard.

Sadly, the response to the protesters by the American Government has, at times, been brutal advocating the use of military force against protesters. Donald Trump’s words and actions have only helped fan the flames of division.

Freedom of expression and freedom of assembly are fundamental rights that every government must respect. Indeed, peaceful protests are a vital part of a healthy democracy.

In condemnation of Trump’s actions, I have signed EDM #549 condemning the violent rhetoric used by  the US President in response to the protests and calling on the UK Government to review exports to the US of equipment including tear gas, rubber bullets and riot shields immediately, amid reports that these are being used against civil rights protesters.